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CONCERNING 



DECEASED FRIENDS. 



BEING A SELECTION 



FROM THE RECORDS 



OP 



FOR 



PENNSYLVANIA, &c 



from: 



THE YEAR 1788 TO 1819, INCLUSIVE. 



PHILADELPHIA : 

TRINTED AND SOLD BY SOLOMON W. GONRAD, 
NO. 87j MARKET-STREET. 

1821. 



!i 




^\ 






THE Yearly Meeting having directed that 
a selection of the Testimonies concerning deceased 
Friends should be made by the Meeting for Suf- 
ferings, the following have been taken from the 
Records, as being most likeiy to convey that in- 

I struction and benefit, to which a work of this 
I*" • 

kind is peculiarly adapted. 

In contemplating the mercy and goodness of 
an Almighty Providence, who hath so amply fur- 
nished the world witli the means of subsistence 
and comfort for all his creatures, according to 
their respective spheres of enjoyment, the mind 
is led into humble admiration and praise ; but 
when, through the influence of his Holy Spirit, 
we are enabled to view^ his unspeakable love, in 
sending his beloved Son a light into the world, 
to redeem his rational creation from sin^ and its 
consequent misery in the world to come, we are 
truly prostrated in reverent adoration, and pre- 
pared to exclaim, in the language of the Psalmist, 
•f What is man, that thou art mindful of him! 
and the Son of man, that thuu visitest him V^ — 
Here w<e tan appreciate the blessed efficacy of 
Divine Grace, reproving, wooing, and seeking to 
instruct man in his fallen, unregenerate state, 
that he may not frustrate the design of his crea- 
tion, but make straight steps to his feet, and come 



up into the enjoyment of perfect peace. Thus 

the following accounts clearly shew, that it was 
only by taking heed to this heavenly Monitor, and 
submitting to its operation, that the corrupt will 
and natural propensities of those individuals have 
been crucified, and a qualification experienced to 
do the will of God, which purifies the soul^ and 
gives an inheritance among all them which are 
sanctified. 

The lives of the righteous, and their unshaken 
confidence in the hour of dissolution, have in all 
ages been esteemed as powerful auxiliaries in the 
advancement of piety and virtue : under this con- 
sideration it is much desired, that the path of the 
just, exemplified in the following work, may en- 
gage the serious attention of all, and more especi- 
ally the youth, animating and encouraging them in 
pressing after an acquaintance with the Spirit of 
Christ in their own hearts, that they may be fa- 
voured with his Divine Presence, and partake of 
that Bread which uourisheth the soul unto eternal 
life. 

Philadelphia^ 2dmo.\Z%\> 



MEMORIALS 



CONCERNING 



DECEJiSEJD FBIEXBS 



Testimony of PFar ring ton Monthly Meeting 
concerning Joanna He a l d , late of York- 
town^ Pennsylvania. 

SHE was daughter of Silas and Susanna 
Prior ; born, according to her own account, 
the 16th of the Second-month, 1706, in Ken- 
nett township, Chester county. She was re- 
markably diligent in the attendance of our re- 
ligious meetings, both for worship and disci^ 
pline, often getting out to monthly and other 
meetings through great difficulty and bodi- 
ly weakness ; and having, at times, a short 
testimony to bear therein, it w^.s to the com- 
fort and edification of Friends. 

Towards the latter part of her time, bodi- 
ly weakness increasing, she was confined to 
her bed, about the last of the Fifth-month, 
1783. Several friends coming in, after a 
short time in silence, she, in a tender lively' 
frame, broken into tears, said, '^I am weak 
in body, 'and know not whether I can be 
heard ; yet feel myself strong in the love of 

A2 



God, which I experience to be amongst us 
at this time." 

The 6th of the Sixth-month; several young 
people and others being present, after a time 
of stillness, she expressed her desires, that 
the children of believing parents might not, 
through their own disobedience, be excluded 
the kingdom in the time spoken of, when ma- 
ny should come from the east and from the 
west, from the north and from the south, to 
sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 

Next morning, two friends calling to see 
her, she signified, that though she was weak 
and low in bodv, vet she was clear in her un- 
derstanding; and after expressing her concern 
respecting superfluity in apparel, mentioning 
some things in particular, said, *' I wish them to 
be entirely done away out of the Society, and 
believe the way for it will be for ministers, 
elders, and overseers, steadily to bear their tes- 
timony against them. When I had young 
children to provide for, I had more satisfac- 
tion in clothing them agreeably to the sim- 
plicity and plainness of Truth/ ihan I could 
have had in adorning them in fine colours :'^ 
— Then, after lying about ten minutes in a 
solemn quiet, said, ^'I have not strength to 



express the prospect I have had of the church 
that is washed ; and I have prayed that you 
might be preserved to keep your places, and 
bear your testimony amidst a wicked and per- 
verse generation.'' 

The 7th of the Seventh-month, in the even- 
ing, some of her grand- children being present, 
she said, *'I have been much concerned about 
the education of your children. I earnestly 
desire you may wait for the word of Divine 
Grace, that you may thereby be enabled to 
bring them up in the nurture and admonition 
of the Lord : and though it's not in your pow- 
er to confer grace, yet the care of parents in 
educating their children is often blessed, and 
proves like preparing the ground of the heart 
to receive the seed of the kingdom." 

The 13th, several friends coming in, she 
signified her great satisfaction in having their 
company ; and, after a short time in silence, 
said, ^*I have trusted in the Lord all along, and 
have often poured out my soul before him, 
that he would be pleased to be with me at all 
times, ar'^ continue with me to the end;" 
from which time she gradually declined with- 
out much pain or sickness for several v/eeks, 
during which she uttered many lively expres- 



8 

sions and exhortations to those about her. 

A short time before her decease^ having 
spent most of the night without sleep^ in the 
morning she signified that this portion of scrip- 
ture had been fresh in her mind, great part 
of the night before ; to wit, '' my covenant was 
with him of life and of peace, and I gave them 
to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, 
and was afraid before my Name," signifying, 
she now felt his covenant of life and peace 
with her, as a sufficient reward for all she had 
gone through. 

She departed this life, the 31st of the 
Tenth- month. 1783, in the 78th year of her 
age, and we believe is entered into rest. 



Extract from a Testimony of Wrightstown 
Monthly Meeting, in Bucks County^ con^ 
cerning Thomas Ross. 

HE was born, according to his own re- 
lation, in the county of Tyrone, in Ireland ; 
descended of reputable parents, members of 
the Episcopal Church ; and received a religi- 
ous education. 

Coming into America about the twentieth 
year of his age, and settling within the limits 



of Buckingham Monthly Meeting, he soon 
after became convinced of the [principles of] 
Truth, as professed by Friends, and joined 
in membership with them. Although his 
natural inclinations and passions were strong, 
yet by yielding obedience to the Spirit of 
Christ as manifested in his own mind, he was 
supported in his warfare^ and witnessing a 
victory over the same, became qualified to ad- 
minister counsel and encouragement to others. 

Not long after his convincement, it pleased 
the Lord to bestow on him a gift in the min- 
istry, and being careful to keep chaste in his 
espousal to the Bridegroom of souls, he ex- 
perienced a growth, to the edification of many 
in this and the neighbouring governments. 
Being conversant in the Holy Scriptures, he 
w^as often led to open the doctrines therein 
contained^ and frequently pressed Friends to 
a diligent attention to those sacred writings. 
He frequently visited meetings in this and the 
adjacent governments, with which, Friends 
in those parts expressed their satisfaction. 

Having, for many years, been exercised with 
a prospect of a religious visit to the churches 
in his native land, and in England, and his 
mind being renewed ly drawn towards this 



10 

weighty engagement, about the latter part of 
the year 1783 he spread his concern before 
the respective meetings of which he was a 
member, and obtaining the concurrence and 
near sympathy of the same, embarked in the 
Fourth-month, 1784. For an account of his 
labours and the peaceful state of his mind, 
see the Testimony of York Monthly meeting, 
Great Britain, 



Testimony of York Monthly Meeting fGreat^ 
BritainJ concerning Thomas Ross^ late 
of Wrights-town Meeting in Bucks County^ 
Pennsylvania^ a Minister^ who departed 
this life at Holdgate near the City of York^ 
the \3thofthe Second-month^ 1786, in the 
ISth year of his age. 

TO perpetuate the memory of the just^ by 
endeavouring to render their examples and 
precepts beneficial to others, is a debt due to 
posterity as well as to the praise of his Name, 
by whom they have been made more than 
conquerors, and become pillars in his house 
which go no more out. 

Having the unity and near sympathy of his 
friends and brethren at home, as appears by 



11 

sundry certificates, he embarked in the 
Fourth-month, 1784, with divers other 
Friends, under the like rehgious engage- 
ments^ and arrived in London just before the 
yearly meeting, which, though under bodily 
infirmities, he attended. 

He was detained by indisposition in and 
near that city for some time after, then pro- 
ceeded in this religious service to Scotland. 

His bodily indisposition increasing, he was 
under the necessity of resting at Old Mel- 
drum, Edinburgh, and Newcastle ; from 
which last place, taking a few meetings in his 
way, he reached York, the 2nd of Eleventh- 
month, and was at our monthly meeting the 
day following, which was the last meeting he 
was able to attend. 

During the course of his travels, we have 
abundant cause tobelieve his religious services 
were truly acceptable to Friends, and well re- 
ceived by others ; for, having an especial eye 
to the puttings forth of the Divine hand, his 
ministry was attended with living virtue and 
deep instruction; though "not in the words 
which man's wisdom teacheth," yet in godly 
simplicity, and with a zeal according to true 
knowledge : he was wise in detecting the snares 



12 

of the enemy ; faithfully^ and without partiali- 
ty, warning those who were in danger of fal- 
ling therein ; and, as in the course of his own 
sanctification, he had been made deeply ac- 
quainted with the necessary baptisms peculiar 
to that important work^ so he was furnished by 
living experience, and the renewings of holy 
help, with qualifications to administer, in ten- 
der sympathy, pertinent and wholesome coun- 
sel to the true Christian travellers ; and so to 
dip into the present state of the church, as pro- 
fitably to ** declare unto Jacob his transgres- 
sion, and to Israel his sin.'^ 

In meetings for business he was particularly 
serviceable, his remarks being mostly shorty 
pertinent^ and very instructive; exciting to a 
steady attention to divine counsel in the trans- 
acting of our Christian discipline, and therein 
to exercise true judgment without partiality 
and respect of persons. 

During the course of his illness he was pre- 
served in a heavenly frame of mind; on almost 
every occasion^ dropping instructive counsel 
and advice to friends who attended on and vi - 
sited him, of which the following collection is 
but a small part. He frequently said that he 
knew not why he was continued in such an 



13 

exercised state of bodily weakness, yet doubt-^ 
ed not but that it was all in wisdom, and for 
some good end; adding, *4t was not for the 
clay to say to the Potter, why hast thou made 
me thus.'' 

Sitting in the family where he was during 
the fore-part of his illness, he expressed him- 
self thus ; '' Dear young people^ keep to your 
first love. The bridegroom of souls will not be 
unmindful of the bride, whilst she remains 
chaste : some of you, I believe, are espoused 
to him. O, the ardent desire which I feel for 
the youth! — Thy name is as ointment poured 
forth, therefore do the virgins love thee. 

The same day — '' I have not sought mine 
own honour, but the honour of him who first 
drew me from my habitation, and have great 
reason to praise his name. One thing which 
inclines me to think my work may be near 
done, is this, that it never appeared to be laid 
upon me to pay a general visit to England.'' 

At another time said, '^ O, the harmony 
there is in the Lord's family ! Ephraim shall 
not envy Judah, nor Judahvex Ephraim, no* 
thing shall hurt or destroy in all thy holy 
mountain." 



14 

Again^ under bodily oppression, "I find no 
relief but when I feel a revival of that which 
is the healer of breaches; but that is not at my 
own command. My mind was^ last night, 
much drawn out to my fellow labourers. O, 
that they may keep little! — I have remember- 
ed that saying, * There are a few names evea 
in Sardis, who have not defiled their gar- 
ments/ and I hope there are a few in York. 
Dear friends, what a people we should be, did 
we dig deep enough ; our lights w^ould shine 
before men ; we should be as the salt of the 
earth. How many who have begun well, 
have had their garments defiled with the 
w^orld, and are become like the salt that has 
lost its savour ; they are as dead weights in 
our assemblies, so that the living are scarcely 
able to bear the dead. O, friends, keep to 
the Truth, for it shall rise above the heads of 
gainsay ers*" 

At another time, " I could not be more at 
home any where, it revives me to see the chil- 
dren about me. I tell you, young people, the 
hardest thing I ever found in my passage was, 
when I was right, to keep so. O, the desire 
1 felt to get here! the love I feel for you is 
like the love of Jonathan and David, it ex- 



15 

tends over sea and land. It is like the pre- 
cious ointment^ so that some can say, with 
one formerly, — Neither heights nor depths, 
principalities nor powers, things present or to 
come, shall ever separate us from it. 

'' The least star casteth a lustre, as the glo- 
rious luminaries in the outward creation ; so 
that we mav sav, * Great and marvellous are 
thy works, Lord, God Almighty, just and 
true are all thy ways, thou King of saints.'' 

Again, — ^'Commune with thine own heart, 
and be still; this is doing business : — ^^O, how 
precious Truth is ! it may employ us on the 
highway, and in our outward engagements- 
dear friends, let us prize it." 

To the physician — ^' The outward man 
grows weaker, yet inward support waxeth 
stronger and stronger." 

The same day he said, " It is a great favour 
to have a brook by the way — O, I see my 
way over all ! it is like a foretaste of what is 
to come : blessed are the dead, who die in the 
Lord — when he breaks in upon us, it is like 
balm — there is balm in Gilead — there are ma- 
ny not willing to go to the house of mourning, 
but there is occasion for it; it being high 
time to repair the breaches." 



16 

^' I have thought, for many weeks past, the 
curtam was near drawn; there seemed but few 
sands left in the' glass : and yet I sometimes 
feel such a travail for Zion's prosperity, and 
the enlargement of her borders, that I am ^rea^ 
dy to think the day's work is not yet done; 
and at other times I feel so feeble and weak, 
that all seems near over : the event I cannot 
fell, but am favoured to be resigned.'' 

At another time — ** Think nothing too neai? 
0r too dear to part with, dear young people, to 
purchase the Truth: your parents cannot give 
it you, though they may give you all they 
can; it is the Lord's prerogative. I have 
thought it was a great favour to have an ed* 
ucation in the Truth; but I have been Q:rieved 
to see many born in the Society, like Esau^ 
selling their birth-right. Be not ashamed of 
the cross, dear friends, deny him not before 
men." 

Again, ^'Beware of lawful things ; these 
lawful things are the strongest baits Satan e- 
ver laid for our Society. O, these lawful 
things, they have hurt many. What a testi- 
anony would it be, if Friends were to shut up 
their shops on week-days, to go to meeting ; 
which ought to be the main concern ; though 



17 

many consider worldly things as such. When 
we have done all we can, we are but as un- 
profitable servants; we can add nothing to him, 
who is the Fountain of Goodness — O, that 
Ocean of ancient Goodness, I seem at times, 
as if I was swallowed up in it — -I have cause to 
be thankful that I am favoured with a resign- 
ed mind, and have no will, either to live or to 
die — O Father, receive me into thy bosom.'^ 

At another time — '^ O, my heart is knit to 
you, my friends, and to the seed which is 
in bondage in many hearts ; and though you 
may have to go with it into the wilderness, 
yet be not discouraged." 

Feeling himself easier, and his mind favour- 
ed, he said — '^ O, when he puts in his hand, 
as at the hole of the door, how does it smell 
of sweet myrrh — 1 hope I am not insensible 
from whence my help comes i he sometimes 
hides himself as behind the curtain ; yet we 
must not awake or disturb our beloved, until 
he please." 

To a friend — ^' Keep to tliy gift, and look to 
the Giver, and have no confidence in the 
fiesh.^' On the general state of mankind, he 
said thus; " O, how has my mind been op- 

B £ 



18 

pressed in observing that profaiieness which 
abounds amongst the people, many of whom 
draw iniquity as with cords of vanity, and sin 
as with a cart rope. Yet I have this satisfaction, 
that I have not failed to reprove many of those 
I have seen in this state, and have often advised 
inn-keepers and others, to discourage all kinds 
of wickedness in their houses: my advice hath 
been generally received without gainsaying, 
and I have comfort in the discharge of this 
duty." Sympathizing with faithful Friends, 
ht remarked, ^^ where there are few faithful la- 
bourers, the work falls heavy upon them ; we 
cannot expect to rise high when the seed lies 
low." 

Under much bodily aiDiction, he said, *^How 
can one die better than in the Lord's service ; 
for he has been indeed, a wonderful counsel- 
lor. He has many times opened a way, when 
I could see no w^ay ; he will never leave nor 
forsake those who trust in him." Again, '' It 
is a trying time, and yet I believe I have a 
well grounded hope of having done my duty. 
I feel no condemnation. O, dear friends, what 
a favour indeed, that we have an unction from 
above ! keep to the Truth and its testimonies." 
At another time — ^*It will not do for any to 



19 

rest contented with having known the Lord 
in days past, and years that are over an(^ 
gone ; we must follow on to know him ; a 
supply of daily food is requisite ; and if there 
is not a hunger and thirst after righteousness, 
we may be sure the mind is distempered ; but 
O, how have I been pained to see and feel 
many of the professors of the Truth going af- 
ter the world and its spirit ; who, instead of 
being way-marks, are as stumbling. blocks to 
honest enquirers — the state of these is lamen- 
table. I have been comforted in the prospect 
of a rising generation, if they are not hurt by 
those who ouglit to be helpers, loving the pre- 
sent world. '^ 

^* I have in my time met with many cross 
winds and boisterous waves, but have been 
preserved in a care to keep near to the point 
that guides to the harbour of rest. For these 
fifty years I have been endeavouring to fight 
the good fight of faith. O, dearest Father, 
not my will but thine be done — O, when will 
the curtain be drawn ? that this mortal may 
put on immortality and eternal life, which will 
I do believe, be my happy portion.'^ — To 
some friends about to take leave X)f him, " let 
your lights shine wherever you are— I have 



20 

not much to say, but there is a great deal 
comprised in this." 

To some young people, ^' You are in 
health; prize it, and make a good use of time; 
for, to the most diHgent, such a time as this 
will prove very trying. '^ 

He would often, in thankful commemora- 
tion of the goodness of God to him, break 
forth in these words — " What shall I render 
unto thee, O Lord, for all thy benefits." 

A few dayabefore his decease, on a friend re- 
turning from meeting, he said, he had been fa- 
voured with such a calm, that he hoped he 
should have passed away. And a day or two 
before he died, he broke forth in these words : 
*^0 joy! joy! joy!" Again — '' O Death I 
where is thy sting? O Grave! where is thy 
victory ? the sting of death is sin : I see no 
cloud in my way, I die in peace with all 
men." 



Testimony from the Monthly Meeting of 
Greenwich^ concerning Mark Reeve. 

THE Lord was pleased to visit him 
with the clear manifestations of his grace and 
truth, and as he joined in therewith, he be- 



21 

came fitted and prepared for service m the 
church. 

He dearly lo\^d the Society of his brethren, 
and nluch prized unity ; knowing the com- 
fort and benefit thereof, he obtained the cha- 
racter of a peace- maken 

A gift in the ministry was conferred upon 
him, and his mind becanie enlarged in the 
love of the gospel, preferring the service of 
truth to everv outward consideration. In 
humility and meekness of spirit, his desires 
were to strengthen and encourage the good 
in all ; that the unity of the Spirit might be 
experienced to be the bond of true gospel fel- 
lowship, and that each member might fill its 
station and proper allotment, to the edification 
and comfort of the body in love. 

The situation of the enslaved and oppressed 
Africans early became the concern of his 
mind; and being deeply exercised on their 
account, he was a zealous advocate for their 
liberation both at home and abroad. 

Being blessed with a sufficiency, his house 
and heart were open to entertain his friends ; 
and in a particular manner such who were un- 
der religious engagements to travel in the 
cause of truth ; to whom he was desirous to 



22 

be a fellow-helper in the gospel, in much 
meekness and love. 

His last illness was lingering and attended 
with much pain, which he was preserved, in 
a good degree, to bear with patience and re- 
signation to the divine will : in which time 
many friends visited him, to whom he was 
frequently led to communicate advice suitable 
to their states, in a lively and feeling manner. 
One of his brothers coming in to see him, a 
short time before his decease, he said to him, 
with a composed and quiet mind, I am glad 
to see thee once more ; I am drawing fast to- 
wards a conclusion, and am thankful I am 
not forsaken in the present hour ; and as I 
have given the preference to the service of 
truth, I feel its gracious influence present with 
me : and clear I am, if Friends did but dwell 
near it, in the love of the gospel, their labours 
would be more blessed with success. Give 
my love to enquiring friends and others, as 
occasion may offer; and let them know, that 
in the same faith I have lived, I take my leave 
of the present world. 

He passed away in a quiet state of mind, 
on the 25th of the Tenth-month, 1788, in the 
65th year of his age. 



23 



Testimony from Upper Springfield Monthly 
Meetings concerning Mary Stevenson. 

SHE was of a kind and affectionate dis- 
position, and in her deportment cheerful and 
engaging. 

She visited the meetings of Friends in Penn- 
sylvania, Maryland, and Virginia ; and, a lit- 
tle before her decease, nearly all the meetings 
in New-Jersey. Though weak in body, she 
was a constant attender of our religious meet- 
ings, and was particularly serviceable in 
meetings for discipline, being much concerned 
for right order therein. 

Some of her expressions, a little before her 
departure, were nearly as follow. 

Third- month 30th — She expressed her re- 
signation to the divine will, and thankfulness 
that she felt universal love to all mankind. 
A friend taking leave of her desiring resig- 
nation might be given her, she replied, '' I 
am thankful there is nothing in the way ;^' 
and sometime after said, ''Though at times I 
may be compared to a well without water, 
yet there is a hope bearing up and supporting 
amidst the tossing waves of affliction ; and I 
have; this day, found strength in weakness.'' 



24 

^st— "The Lord hath not only lifted me 
out of the miry clay, but hath established my 
goings, and hath, at times, given me to sing 
as on the banks of deliverance,'* 

Fourth month 1st— She mentioned the ne- 
cessity of a steady attendance of meetings, 
saying, "it will not avail for people to go 
when they please, and stay when they please:" 
and in the language of affection and encou- 
ragement, she addressed some with an assu- 
rance that peace and true satisfaction would 
be the reward of obedience to the Lord's re- 
quirings, though in small things; and that 
early years was an acceptable sacrifice to the 
Lord— and said, she was ready and willing to 
leave all things ; for which she was renewedly 
thankful, having a comfortable hope, or in- 
deed could say an evidence^ that her soul 
would rest in peace- 

2d — ^^Apprehending her life near its close, 
signified it might be a night of rejoicing for 
her. She passed the evening in great still- 
ness, as though asleep, and revived widi these 
expressions, *^0, what a sweet evening I have 
had." 

In the morning of the 3d, a change appear- 
ing, she was still concerned for the preserva- 



25 

tion of her nearest connections through all the 
temptations in this world. The conflict be- 
tween life and death she bore with fortitude. 
Desirous of being released, she expressed in 
broken accents — '^ Gracious and merciful Fa- 
ther, do thou enable me!" and departed this 
life about 7 o'clock in the morning of the 4th 
day of the Fourth-month, 1788, aged 58 
years, and a minister about 20 years. 



Some of the last Expressions o/'Elizabeth 
House, Daughter of Amos House ^ who 
laboured under a lingering asthmatic com- 
plainty which she endured with Christian 
Fortitude to the end. — -Approved by Ken- 
nett Monthly Meeting. 

ABOUT two weeks before her deaths 
being visited by her father and one of her 
auntS; she said, ^' I have endeavoured to live 
the life of the righteous, that my last end 
might be like his." 

The next morning having an opportunity 
with her sisters, she said, *^You are made 
near to me ; I know what it is to tread the 
slippery paths of youth. I have kept my 



26 

hands busied about that which I thought was 
doing good. Were my days to Uve over a- 
gain, I should not employ them so much in 
needless things ; such as decking and adorn- 
ing the body as in fine linen, though I never 
ivas very fashionable;" with much more of 
like import, suitably adapted to their age and 
circumstances. In the afternoon several 
friends visited her, and were favoured with a 
solemn opportunity, to her consolation, as 
she expressed. 

The week following being asked by her fa- 
ther if her mind was easy, she cheerfully re- 
plied, " quite so, quite so.'^ On First-day 
the 1st of the Eleventh-month, her aunt com- 
ing to see her, she said to her, " I have read 
of some that had felt the help of the spirits 
of others ; I think I have felt the good of 
thine* I find but few burden-bearers. I have 
desired to have thee present at the conclusion* 
1 want^ if thou and my sisters should be 
spared a little longer, that thou should put 
them in mind of me. People in health and 
strength dont prize time^ till it is too late.'^ 
On Second-day morning she said- — '^ I have 
been ready to say, O youth ! youth ! can a 
youth enter the kingdom. She being in great 



27 

bodily pain, said — " Lord pity me — I hope 
the Comforter will come^ and I shall be re- 
leased — ^joyful news it will be/' At another 
time, said — I now feel my mind quite easy ; 
no fear hangs about me ; I never committed 
any great sin in my life, but, like many oth- 
ers, have let the cumbering things take too 
much hold* I have clearly seen where I 
missed it. I do not see any thing more to do 
but to die. He that knows all things, knows 
that I love him above all." When her pain 
somewhat abated, she would frequently ac- 
knowledge it a high favour ; and with great 
fervency of spirit, said, '' Lord add to my pa- 
tience, that I may endure the filling up the 
measure of mv afflictions." At another time 
said, '^ my mind is fixed upon the Lord; and 
has been taken from things here." 

She often expressed she felt racking pain, 
and in the mormng of Fourth-day said, " I 
know not whether life or death ; I am fully 
resigned to go, but have no knowledge 
when." She pleasantly said to her aunt, 
^^ I feel quite easy." Her friends appear- 
ing concerned ; she^ after laying some time, 
with a countenance denoting a joyful as- 
surance of joining the heavenly host, and 



28 

with a voice not to be described^ expressed 
herself^ ^' dont distress yourselves for me ; the 
light that I see exceedeth the sun in the firm- 
ament — all light, all life, all love^ all peace. 
-—A friend coming into the room, expressing 
sympathy for her in her afflictions, she replied, 
^' I now feel no pain ;'' and continued sensi- 
ble, as appeared by her expressions. She qui- 
etly departed on the 4th day of the Eleventh- 
month, 1789^ in the 24th year of her age. 



^ brief Memorial from Philadelphia Month'- 
ly Meeting concerning Mai^y Armitt, a 
native of Philadelphia^ who deceased on the 
18 th of the Second' pionthp 1791. 

IN her youthful days, as she yielded obe- 
dience to divine instruction, she witnessed a 
growth and advancement in the life of true 
religion; and through its gradual powerful 
workings became, in the course of time, an 
useful and exemplary member in the church, 
being many years in the station of an elder 
and overseer. 

The weightiness of her spirit, stability of 
conduct, and inward retiredness of mind, evi- 
denced a qualification for these important ser- 



29 

vices; and we believe she endeavoured faith- 
fully to discharge the several trusts reposed 
in her. 

She was favoured in her last sickness with 
many intervals of divine consolation; and un- 
der the sense thereof, frequently broke forth 
in commemoration of the Lord's judgments 
and mercies : and as it may tend to the en- 
couragement of the living in the way to right- 
eousness and peace, some of the many lively, 
savoury expressions which dropped from her 
may be usefully preserved, viz. 

^' I have had many low seasons which the 
Lord only knows; I hope he will be with me 
to the end, and preserve me in the patience." 
One enquiring how she did, she replied, '' ve- 
ry low; I am going to leave you, but I feel a 
calm — I think I may say a sweet calm; I be- 
lieve I am going to peace.'^ Sometime after 
she called, by name, a young woman who had 
lately come amongst Friends by convince- 
ment, and said, *' Hold fast thy profession ; 
thou hast bought the Truth; dont thou sell it : 
if thou keeps near it, it will preserve thee, and 
do greal things for thee.'' 

At another time she said; ^' Sweet Jesus 

C2 



30 

eome. I give thee thanks for the multitude 
of thy mercies. Holy Father preserve the 
young generation, that they may stand in awe 
before thee ; bring them up in thy pure fear^ 
that they may see the vanities of this world; 
and the beauty of true religion." 

At another season, *' O how the enemy 
eomes in like a flood, but the Spirit of the 
Lord will lift up a standard against him. 
Great peace have all they that love the divine 
law, and nothing shall offend them." 

And again — ^^I can say with David, 
though I walk through the valley of thq sha- 
dow of Death, I will fear no evil." 

Some little time before her departure, the 
powers of speech much failing, she uttered 
with difficulty, ^' He hath brought me to his 
banqueting house, and his banner over me is 
love." Nearly her last expressions were, 
" It's all peace — it's all joy forevermore." 

In the undoubted assurance of everlasting 
rest, she peacefully breathed her last — Aged 
eighty-three years. 



31 



Testimony from Chester Monthly Meeting 
concerning William Fell. 

HE was an active and serviceable mem- 
ber of our monthly meeting upwards of forty 
years ; a considerable part of which time, he 
filled the stations of overseer or elder, being 
endowed with remarkable humility and meek- 
ness ; an example of plainness^ diligent in the 
attendance of religious meetings from his 
youth, instructive and weighty in his conversa- 
tion, and serviceable in settling controversies 
amongst neighbours ; being truly desirous to 
promote peace amongst all classes of men. 

He manifested a weighty concern for the 
proper education of our youth, as also of black 
children; and about the year 1765, with the 
concurrence of our meeting, visited most or 
all the members thereof who held slaves, 
which appears to have had a good effect ; and 
continued often to visit those who were set 
free, giving such pertinent counsel as might 
tend to their spiritual and temporal welfare. 

In his last illness he was favoured with 
great patience ; in which time he often expres- 
sed a concern for Friends of the particular 
meeting to whieh he belonged, especially the 



32 

youth ; and about two days before his decease^ 
said to a person present, ^' There is no true 
happiness to be attained in this world, nor 
that which is to come, but that which hath its 
foundation in pure love : and in a short time 
after said, that in looking back over his past 
life, he had to acknowledge there was nothing 
that ever he had done, which alone could be 
sufficient to entitle him to an admittance into 
the heavenly kingdom; notwithstanding he 
had passed through some trying dispensations, 
and bore many heavy burthens, if any good 
was ever done by him, it was through the aid 
of the Holy Spirit ; but said, he had faith in 
Christ; and if he w^as saved, it was through 
the adorable goodness of the Almighty. 

At another time he appeared under great 
exercise of mind, and said he had passed 
through the deepest baptism, in his present 
sickness, he had ever experienced ; and after 
expressing a pe^rfect resignation to the divine 
will, said, he was easy in his mind. 

He dropped many more weighty expres- 
sions to friends and neighbours who came to 
see him, particularly the youth ; w^hich were 
often affecting to them. 

He appeared fervent in prayer till near the 



33 

close, and favoured with his senses almost 
to the time of his departure, which was on the 
5th of the Third-month, 1792, in the 76th 
year of his age. 



Testimony from the Monthly Meeting of 
Friends of Philadelphia for the Southern 
District concerning Daniel Ojfley. 

Our beloved friend Daniel Offley, son of 
Daniel and Rachel Offley of this city, was 
born the 29th of the Eleventh-month, 1756 — 
Being of a lively, airy disposition^ he indulged 
himself in many of the vanities and follies in- 
cident to youth^ pursuing with avidity divers 
ensnaring temptations ; whereby he became 
greatly estranged to that peace and substantial 
happiness, consequent upon a life of piety 
and virtue. In this situation it pleased the 
Lord, in the riches of his mercy, to visit him 
with judgment, which awakened him to a clear 
sense of his undone condition without a Sa- 
viour ; and as he patiently abode under the 
chastening of the heavenly Hand, he was fa- 
voured to witness the day-spring from on 
high, which brought glad tidings to his tossed 
mind. Yielding obedience to the secret in- 



34 

timations of divine counsel, and a gift of Gos- 
pel ministry being committed to him, he came 
forth therein about the 24th year of his age ; 
and by faithfulness in the exercise thereof, he 
grew in experience and dedication to the ser- 
vice of his great and good Master. He was 
also very useful in our meetings for dicipline, 
being endowed with sound judgment, and 
concerned to maintain the dignity thereof upon 
its ancient foundation. 

With the unity and concurrence of this 
meeting, he visited the meetings of Friends 
in many parts of this continent, and also se- 
veral of the West India islands, to the satisfac- 
tion and edification of those amongst whom 
his lot was cast ; being often, tlirough deep 
baptism, led into close searching labour with 
the indolent and luke-warm professors of the 
blessed Truth. 

During the late awful visitation of a pesti- 
lential disease in this city, [in 1793] not be- 
ing easy to remove from his habitation, he was 
almost constantly engaged either in visiting 
or endeavouring to relieve those who were 
afflicted therewith ; being, through Divine 
Goodness, preserved in stabiUty and patience, 
he was often made a comfort to many whose 



55 

minds seemed ready to faint under the pros- 
pect of distress and dismay which appeared 
on every hand. 

In our religious meetings, it was evident 
his spirit travelled in the deeps; being through 
the aboundings of heavenly love, concerned^ 
in a tender manner to exhort to a due discharge 
of all our religious duties, whereby we might 
be qualified rightly to understand the language 
of that afflictive dispensation, and prepared to 
close our accounts with joy. 

A few days previous to his sickness, being 
in conversation with two friends, after a short 
pause of silence, he said, ^^Be ye also ready, 
for at such an hour as we expect not, the mes-^ 
isenger of death may be sent to our houses.'* 
He was taken ill the 3rd of the Tenth- month^ 
1793— -on the next day, a friend who came to 
see him, expressed his sorrow that one who 
had been so serviceable among the sick should 
be seized with the disorder, hoping he would 
have been spared* He signified, '*It matters 
little, when in our places, how we are disposed 
of, whether in life or death. '^ 

During his illness he appeared cheerful ^ 
and evidenced^ by the serenitj^ of his mindj 
that his trust and confidence were not shaken. 



36 

but firmly fixed in that everlasting arm of 
power, which had redeemed his soul from pol- 
lution, and supported him through many sea- 
sons of deep probation. 

To one who expressed a hope of his getting 
better, he calmly said he was resigned either 
in life or death. 

On the 7th of the month, early in the morn- 
ing, his wife coming into the room, asked him 
how he was ; being perfectly in his reason, he 
replied in substance, that he had had a very 
comfortable nighty and been overshadowed 
with the calming influence of divine love, in 
a degree he had never before experienced. 

He departed this life on the 11th of the 
Tenth-month, 1793, aged near 37 years. 



A brief Memorial Jrom the Monthly Meeting 
of Philadelphia concerning Isaac Zane, 
an Elder. 

HIS parents were early settlers in the 
county of Gloucester in West New Jersey, 
where he was born in the First (now called the 
Third) month, 1710, and became, about the 
14th year of his age, a resident in this city ; 
and submitting in the days of youth to the vi- 



Q 



7 



sitatioa of divine love and mercy, he experi- 
enced a growth in grace, manifesting by ex- 
ample and precept, a sincere concern for the 
advancement of the cause of Truth, and the 
maintenance of our Christian discipline ; dili- 
gently, attending our meetings established for 
that purpose, as well as those for divine wor- 
ship; in which religious care he continued 
even after he became very feeble in body, and 
his eye-sight so dim, that he was under the 
necessity of being led to them ; upon which, 
we are informed he has sometimes remarked, 
"That although he went in great weakness, 
(meaning of body and mind) he w^as often fa- 
voured, through the condescending goodness 
of the Shepherd of Israel, with inward conso- 
lation, and returned to his home much refresh- 
ed and strengthened." 

Being acquainted with many of the Indian 
natives of this land, who, when he was young, 
were numerous, he felt for their distresses, 
and was greatly concerned for their real good ; 
which he was solicitous to promote, as far a^ 
his endeavours could be useful, by embracing 
opportunities that offered, when they came 
to this city, or held treaties with the govern- 

D 



38 

ment here or in places adjacent; and having 
a place in their esteem and affections, he en- 
deavoured to inculcate in their minds the be- 
nefit of a peaceable disposition, and the neces- 
sity of their attending to the convictions of 
divine grace. When reduced to a state of 
great bodily weakness^ in the time of his last 
confinement, he said to a friend sitting near 
him, that " he was willing to go, and ready to 
go ;" and soon after, ^* that the great and good 
Shepherd had not left him;" expressing his 
sense of ^^the joys of the realms of light," and 
appeared frequently to be favoured with great 
consolation, making melody in his heart when 
all was silent and quiet about him, singing 
praises to the Lord^ though enduring much 
pain of body. At one time he expressed, '^ I 
am weak in body,^^ but not in mind." A friend 
enquiring of him whether he expected to get 
about again, he replied, ^'1 hardly expect it," 
adding, ^^I have seen the arms of everlasting 
mercy open to receive me, and have a full as- 
surance, that I shall be permitted to join the hea- 
venly host in singing hallelujah, and enabled 
with the seraphims to say. Holy, holy is the 
Lord of Hosts ; the whole earth is full of his 
glory." 



39 

He was favoured to retain his memory and 
understanding to the last; and his bodily- 
strength gradually decreasing, he expired 
without apparent pain, in the morning of the 
6th of the Third-month, 1794, aged 84 years 
wanting eight days. 



Testimony of the Monthly Meeting ofPhila- 
delphia concerning Margaret Haines. 

SHE was born in this city the 26th day 
of the First (now called the Third) month, 
1729. Submitting to the visitations of divine 
love about the 25th year of her age, she be- 
came useful. Many and various were the tri- 
als and exercises she had to pass through , 
but by the sustaining help of him that hath 
all power in his hand, she was supported un- 
der them; being also ready on all occasions 
to help those that were engaged in the Lord's 
work, whether amongst ourselves^ or such as 
came from distant lands to promote the cause 
of Truth and righteousness in the earth. She 
was remarkably benevolent and charitable to 
the poor and afflicted, searching and finding 
out objects that appeared to be much hidden 
from general notice and observation, and liber- 



40 

ally administered to their several necessities. 

She filled the station of an eider, and was 
tender and sympathising with such as had the 
glad tidings of the Gospel to preach, — en- 
couraging the young and diffident in the min- 
istry, and desirous that all might be brought 
forward in the right line. 

She was in the city when it was visited 
with the late awful sickness and mortality, 
[in 1793.] 

The first day of her illness^ which was the 
28th of the Ninth-month, she gave directions 
respecting what she wished done for several 
poor persons, and concluded with saying, 
'^Now I am released from this business," 
meaning her care for the poor. 

The 29di, on being asked how she was, 
she replied, '^ very poorly indeed. Oh! my 
dear, what a favour it is those that have this 
complaint do not lay long — the Lord's will, 
not mine, be done." Soon after, with much 
fervency, said, '' O Lord, thy will be done ! 
Oh! that thou wouldst be with me to the end, 
and favour me with resignation: blessed be 
thy holy name for ever and ever." 

30th, I have been much tossed and tried 
this night, but my mind is now easy, which is 



41 

a great favour: yes, I feel quiet and easy, and 
desire nobody may come to see me; for it is 
a serious thing to visit the sick at this awful 
time. I feel my relations and friends very 
near and dear to me, and wish my affectionate 
love to them, but do not desire any of them 
to come*-' 

Several times in the course of that and the 
next day^ she broke forth in fervent supplica- 
tion, all of which could not be understood — 
her speech being much affected^ except twice 
that she repeated, ** O Lord thy will and not 
mine be done ; be with me to the end, if it be 
thy holy will: blessed be thy name for ever 
and ever.'' 

These were nearly the last words that were 
understood; and although the disorder affec- 
ted her very deeply, and she underwent great 
pain, she was favoured with much patience 
and resignation. 

On the 3rd of the Tenth-month, 1793, a- 
bout half past 5 o'clock in the morning, she 
quietly departed, aged 64 years and 6 months. 



D2 



42 



J Memorial from the Monthly Meeting of 
Phiadelphiafor the Northern District^ res- 
pecting Charles Williams. 

OUR friend Charles Williams, son of 
Hezekiah and Grace Williams, departed this 
life on the 9th day of the Tenth-month, 1793, 
in the 29th year of his age^ and about the 9th 
from his first appearance in the ministry. His 
meek and humble spirit bore instructive wit- 
ness to the efficacy of Truth, whereby his 
disposition was rendered sweet and tender. 
He was a sympathetic friend to the poor, and 
those in affliction either of l)ody or mind^ 
whom he often visited. His ministry was ed- 
ifying, evidencing the prevalence of gospel 
love ; in the innocency whereof, being preser- 
ved an example of plainness and simplicity, 
he was concerned, with much gentleness, pri- 
vately to exhort such of our members who 
departed therefrom ; by which proofs of bro- 
therly kindness, and his unassuming manner^ 
he obtained a place in the minds of those with 
whom he laboured. 

In the time of great mortality with which 
this city was visited, deeply sympathizing 
with his friends and acquaintance who were 



43 

seized with the contagion, he was much de^ 
voted to afford them relief; visiting many to 
their consolation, though his residence was 
several miles distant. Some pious reflections 
on this solemn occasion, by him committed 
to writing, it may not be unuseful to note, 
viz, "Ninth-month 1st 1793 — It is afi'ecting 
to observe the change that has taken place in 
this industrious city, where business appeared 
to be the life of many, and each ,^ne strove to 
exceed his neighbour in care to gather wealth. 
Now a stop is put to this — little business is 
transacted; and the minds of many are a- 
wakened to consider what is the state of their 
last and solemn account. A serious solemni- 
ty appears on almost every countenance; and 
I hope by myself and many others, this visita- 
tion may never be forgotten." 

Divine wisdom permitting, he was soon af- 
ter taken with the prevailing disorder, which 
in a few days put a period to his life. Fa- 
voured during his illness with a happy confi- 
dence in Divine mercy, he took an affection- 
ate leave of his parents, saying he was not 
afraid to die ; and under a comfortable belief 
of his departing in peace with God and man^ 
his memory remains precious to us. 



44 



A brief jiccount of Samuel Hutton, of 
JVottingham Monthly Meeting, who deceas- 
ed in the 31st year of his age : with some 
of his expressions in his last illness* 

IT appears he was born within the verge 
of New Garden Monthly Meeting, in Penn- 
sylvania, the 28th day of the Sixth-month, 
1763 ; was of innocent behaviour in his youth- 
ful days, much inclined to solitude, and, at 
times, favoured with divine openings; and, 
when about 18 years of age, with a lively gift 
in the ministry: in the exercise whereof he 
improved, through obedience to what he be- 
lieved was required of him. He was of a 
meek and circumspect conduct, and concern- 
ed for the support of Truth's testimony in its 
several branches, and, it is believed, was sup- 
ported under his various afflictions with a truly 
Christian fortitude. In 1792 he removed with 
his family to West Nottingham, finished his 
course on the 15th of the Fifth-month, 1794, 
and was interred in our burial ground at West 
Nottingham aforesaid. 

To a friend that visited him, he expressed 
himself thus : ^* Since I have been under this 
affliction, I have had to look over past life — 



45 

the many bufFettings, temptations^ and pro- 
vocations I have passed through ; and now I 
feel my mind easy, enjoying a perfect calm 
over them all, which I deem a remarkable fa- 
vour, and cause of humble thankfulness." 

He was often heard to express a desire, 
that he might be preserved in patience, and 
enabled to bear his affliction without mur- 
muring, which he was favoured to experience 
in a remarkable manner. 

The day before his decease, he gave some 
directions concerning his burial, and that his 
coffin should be plain, without mouldings or 
any kind of polish. He prayed fervently for 
the preservation of his wife and children ; and 
when taking leave of his near connections and 
others, he often recommended to faithfulness ; 
signifying, that was the way to be prepared 
to meet the awful messenger of death: and 
reaching h^s hand to a friend, he said, 
*^ Thou hast felt near to me ; be thou faithful 
when I am gone. I have a well-grounded 
hope there is a rest prepared for me in the 
mansions of everlasting bliss." He also ex- 
pressed the love he felt to Friends generally, 
and to all men. On his then taking a solemn 
leave of some present, he exhorted them to a 



46 

right improvement of their time, that they 
might be prepared to meet with death. 



Testimony of Horsham Monthly Meeting con- 
cerning James Thornton, late of By* 
berry, 

IT appears from a short mamiscript, left 
by him^ that he was born at Stony Stratford, 
in Buckinghamshire, Great Britain, in the 
year 1727. His parents dying when he was 
about the age of fourteen years — without be- 
ing under the guardianship of any friend, he, 
for a time^ sought to recreate himself with the 
company of idle boys ; but becoming thought- 
ful of what might be the effect of such a 
course of living, he engaged in work for 
some of his neighbours ; which, as he ex- 
pressed, was a means of preserving him from 
loose and vain company ; and berng, through 
the reaches of divine grace, led to seek an ac- 
quaintance with Israel's Shepherd, he was, 
in those young and tender years, often favour- 
ed with heart-tendering visitations. 

About the sixteenth year of his age he went 
apprentice to a valuable Friend^ whose care 
over him was truly useful; and growing in 



47 

the knowledge of the blessed Truth, he ap- 
peared exercised under a dispensation of the 
gospel ministry, giving up thereto about the 
20th 3Tar of his age ; and, about two years 
after, acquainting his friends with a prospect 
he had of removing to settle in Pennsylvania, 
they, on weighing the said proposal, gave a 
certificate of their unity w4th him^ and his 
service in the ministry. 

He landed at Philadelphia in 1750, and 
shortly after proceeded to Bristol, in Bucks 
County, where he resided some time, and 
then married and settled at Byberry : and be- 
ing frequently engaged, with the concurrence 
of Friends, in visiting the churches in differ- 
ent parts of this continent, and a few years 
past, the meetings of Friends at divers places 
in Great Britain, from the certificates he 
produced on his return from those visits, it 
appears that his religious services were well 
accepted. 

He was an able minister of the gospel, and 
well qualified for the discipline of the church ; 
in which he was fervently engaged, that the 
good order thereof might be maintained, and 
the camp cleansed and preserved : his dispo- 
sition kind and affable ; his conipany and con- 



48 

versation being instructive and edifying ; his 
heart and house open to entertain his friends ; 
liberal also in distributing to the necessities of 
the poor. 

For several years of the latter part of his 
time, he was much afflicted with bodily infir- 
mity and pain, which he was enabled to bear 
with much patience and resignation. His 
last sickness, which continued about two 
weeks, was very trying ; in which time divers 
of his weighty expressions, being worthy to 
be preserved, are as follow. 

The 8th of the Fourth-month, 1794, he said 
that he had been under an exercise some time 
past, respecting visiting some places, but now 
had found a release, and enjoyed a quiet, 
peaceful mind, which he preferred to every 
thing else. Sometime after he was taken 
poorly, his disorder proving complicated, he 
was thenceforward mostly confined, though 
the next day, being the fourth of the week, 
he attended the meeting at Byberry, which 
w as the last time he got from home. 

On Seventh-day morning, being very ill, 
he said, ^' I have been afflicted from my youth 
up, w^ith bodily infirmities, and how it may- 
issue now, whether in life or death, is not es- 



49 

sential for me to know, as I have a peaceful 
mind ; and all the world without it would be 
nothing/' 

First of the week — An oppression increas- 
ing upon his breast, he expressed but little 
until the night following, when it again came 
on, and he said, ** This is hard work, but 
there is good foundation:" and repeated, 
*' This is hard work, but there is a good found- 
ation, and we experience hard things to be 
made easy, and bitter, sweet," At another 
time, being asked how he was, he chose not 
to be disturbed, but said he was quiet and 
contented." 

Second of the week — In the morning, ht 
seemed much revived, and said he was pretty- 
clear of pain, and relieved from the oppression 
athis breast; then said, **I have seen that the 
honours and friendships of this world are a 
great hindrance to the progress of many in 
religion ; but it is what I have always shun- 
ned, or I should not have been able to have 
dealt so plainly, and spoken so impartially, 
in meetings and out, as I have done, and 
stood through it all to this day." 

Third of the week — In the morning he 

E 



50 

said, ^' The pleasant prospect of being soon 
released, he could not set forth in words.'' 
It was answered, It seems not in our power 
to do much for thee : he replied, ** 'Tis a 
comfort my dependance is not on man." 

Fifth of the week — His disorder increasing 
upon him, he said, ** This is close work; but 
I have a peaceful mind, that makes up." 
Several different times he expressed, his 
complaint was trying, but it must be reme- 
died by patience. 

Sixth of the week — Being under great bo- 
dily pain, he expressed himself nearly as fol- 
lows : " It's joyful ! it's joyful ! it's all light; 
but it's a loss ! it's a loss that will be felt by 
these children. Lord Jesus, thou art able to 
support under every trial, and keep thine. 
There are, many difficulties to encounter with 
through this inconstant world: all that apper- 
tains to it is transitory and fading. The 
Lord hath begun a good work, and he is able 
10 carry it on ; look to him for ability to go 
forward, but there must be a total surrender 
and giving up to him — Keep to meetings- 
Keep us we pray thee, O Lord ! fit and pre- 
pare us for thy glorious kingdom — call in 
thousands and tens of thousands more, to la- 



51 

hour in thy churches, the world over — for 
thy ever blessed cause sake, and for thy son's 
sake, cause them to flock to thee, as doves to 
the windows — Be pleased, O Lord! to enable 
all thy truly depending children, who have no 
might of their own, to go forth conquering 
and to conquer, against all oppositions, for thy 
sake, the cause sake, and thy blessed son's 
sake; although they are, and may be great, 
thou alone art able to protect, and carry them 
through, if there is a full dedication of heart 
to thee ; and also to separate the precious from 
the vile, and give them victory over death, 
hell, and the grave; so that they will be able 
to sing triumphantly at the close of time here, 
which makes up for all our labours ; and we 
pray thee O Lord! give all these an entrance 
into thy rest : with the lamb immaculate, thou 
art worthy of all praises, hallelujah for ever- 
more. Thou knowest, O Lord, that I love 
thee." 

Seventh of the week — Being raised up, he 
said, '' Let us take all things patiently." And 
being asked by a friend, who had just come 
to see him, how he was, he said, ^' I think this 
has been the deepest sickness that I ever had, 
but a favoured one." 



52 

He continued much the same until about the 
fourth hour on Fourth-day morning, when a 
shaking fit came on him, accompanied with 
the pains of death, but were believed to be 
much alleviated by a sense of the Divine Pre- 
sence. A few hours before his decease, he 
appeared to be somewhat relieved from pain, 
and quietly departed about one o'clock, on 
the 24th of the Fourth-month, 1794, in the 
67th year of his age. 



i 



i 



Testimony from the Monthly Meeting of 
Philadelphia^ for the Southern District^ con- 
cerning Elizabeth Drinker. 

THIS our beloved friend having been 
a member of our monthly meeting a conside- 
rable number of years, we are impressed with 
a solid sense and remembrance of her gospel 
labours and services, and incited by the uni- 
ted motives of love and duty to give the fol- 
lowing testimony concerning her. 

She was born in this city in the year 1737, 
of parents, members of our Society. An in- 
clination to piety and religious circumspection 
being apparent in her early youth, as s e grew 
in years, through submission to the refinipg 



S3 

baptism of the Holy Spirit^ she was gradually 
prepared for usefulness in the church, and a- 
bout the year 1776, came forth in public min- 
istry among us. Being in a good degree 
faithful to the gift received^ it was evidently 
enlarged> wherein she was qualified to fill 
more extensively that dignified station ; and 
was likewise serviceable in the exercise and 
support of our Christian discipline. 

Through the drawings of gospel love, she 
was frequently engaged in visiting the meet- 
ings of Friends in this and several of the ad- 
jacent governments ; being peculiarly fitted 
to speak with precision to the states of indi- 
viduals, both in families and more public 
opportunities; and deeply concerned to excite 
in the minds of those in membership with us, 
a close adherence to the guidance of the holy 
Principle of light and grace ; that Zion might 
indeed more conspicuously shine, put on her 
beautiful garments ; and those who were ask- 
ing the way thither, not be stumbled through 
the unfaithfulness of such who profess to be 
inhabitants thereof; but that her righteousness 
might go forth as brightness, and her salva- 
tion as a lamp that burneth, 

E2 



54 

Being for a considerable length of time un- 
der a religious concern to visit the churches 
in Great Britain, though under much weak- 
ness through infirmity of body, yet was not 
easy to omit endeavouring after a full im- 
provement of the talent received. After a 
season of deep probation, having the unity 
and sympathy of Friends, and obtaining the 
requisite certificates, she embarked from 
hence^ in the Sixth-month 1793; and arrived 
in England the month following. 

For an account of her travels and services 
in that nation, whilst health permitted, and 
also of her peaceful close, at the city of Lon- 
don, we refer to the following testimony from 
Grace Church-Street Monthly Meeting con- 
cerning her. 

Testimony from Grace Church- Street Months 
ly Meeting concerning Elizabeth Drin- 
ker. 

AS it has pleased infinite wisdom to re- 
move from works to rewards, our dear friend 
Elizabeth Drinker of Philadelphia, whilst on 
a religious visit to this nation, we are engaged 
to give this testimony concerning her. 



55 

She arrived here in the Seventh-month, 
1793, and after visiting the meetings of 
Friends in and about this city, proceeded in- 
to Kent, Sussex^ and the western counties, as 
far as Falmouth, returning through Bristol to 
London ; and though frequently tried with in- 
disposition of body, she was strengthened in 
her gospel labours, we believe, to the comfort 
and edification of many. Being concerned to 
wait for, and move under the fresh arising of 
divine Life, her ministry was sound and 
weighty, and her conduct and conversation 
consistent therewith. 

The Fourth-month following, though in a 
declining state of health, she visited the meet- 
ings of Friends in Hertfordshire, &c. but her 
complaints increasing, she stopped at Staines 
near six weeks; at which place she expressed 
to a Friend an apprehension that her time 
would not be long in mutability ; and, at the 
same time, mentioned, that as she sat in the 
meeting on First-day morning, though she 
had nothing to communicate to others, and 
part of the time felt low and discouraged; yet 
towards the close, her mind was comforted in 
the fresh revival of those expressions of the 
prophet Habakkuk: *^ Although the fig-tree 



56 

shall not blossom^ neither shall fruit be in the 
vine ; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the 
field shall yield no meat ; the flocks shall be 
cut oiF from the fold, and there shall be no 
herd in the stalU yet will I rejoice in the Lord, 
I vi^ill joy in the God of my salvation.'' 

She attended several meetings under great 
bodily weakness. Her last public testimony 
was at Westminster, where she stood up with 
this passage of Scripture, '^ Precious in the 
sight of the Lord is the death of his saints^" 
on which she enlarged instructively and en- 
couragingly. 

She was also led to speak instructively to 
those about her ; at one time, nearly in these 
words: ''To look back, the world appears 
trifling and vanity; and if fresh trials come^ 
and the storm be permitted to beat as against 
the wall, it is good to trust in the Lord, who 
in gloomy seasons is the protector of those 
that fear him:" and after encouraging those 
present to greater dedication, said, " The 
highest anthem that could be sung was. Thy 
will be done.'' At another time, she said, 
She believed it was right that she had given 
up all, and left home, whether for life or death 
she must leave. 



57 

The few last days of her life she was much 
engaged in supplication, dropping many bro- 
ken sentences ; which, though not fully ga- 
thered, were comfortably expressive of the 
state of her mind, breathing the language of 
consolation and praise. 

When near the close, her spirit seemed 
measurably above the last conflict ; and with 
an animated countenance she expressed, " O, 
the beauty ! the excellent beauty I the beau- 
tiful prospect in view !'' Then lifting up her 
hands, appeared for some time in sweet, 
though silent, adoration : after which she 
spoke but little, and with difiiculty ; yet ap- 
peared sensible ; and in the evening of the 
10th of the Eighth-month, 1794^ expired 
so quietly, that it was scarcely known when 
she breathed her last. 



Testimony of the Monthly Meeting of Phi- 
ladelphia concerning John Pemberton. 

HE was the son of our valuable and 
much esteemed friends, Israel and Rachel 
Pemberton. By an early sense of the divine 
fear, joined to their parental care and pious 
example, he was preserved from the delusive 



58 

vanities and evils into which youth, through 
the force of temptation, and overlooking the 
monitions of divine grace, are often seduced ; 
so that under the Lord's favour and blessing, 
the remark of Solomon was verified in him, 
viz. '' Train up a child in the way he should go, 
and when he is old he will not depart from 
it." Prov. xxii. 6. 

He was born in this city the 27th of the 
Eleyenth-month, 1727. On coming to man- 
hood he proceeded on a voyage to England, 
in the same vessel with our beloved friends 
John Churchman and William Brown, who 
were drawn in gospel love to visit the churches 
in that country and parts adjacent. His in- 
ducements to this voyage appear to have been 
business, and for the benefit of his health ; 
but soon after his arrival in London, feeling 
his mind religiously inclined to accompany 
John Churchman to a few meetings in the 
country, he was further engaged to continue 
with our said friend in his travels through 
most parts of England, Ireland^ and Holland. 

In the early part of this journey, at a meet^ 
ing held at Penzance in Cornwall, he said a 
few words in public testimony ; and, as John 
Churchman relates, '• tender and broken, ac- 



59 

companied with a good degree of the savour 
of truth.'' Thus, though he left home on 
temporal concerns, having received a divine 
call, he may be said to have done, in measure, 
as the disciples of our blessed Lord, who left 
their nets and followed him. Having travel- 
led together about three years, they parted in 
much love and unity. 

His ministry was sound, instructive^ and 
edifying; being concerned to inculcate the 
necessity of great circumspection of life and 
purity of conversation, that thereby our reli- 
gious profession might be adorned through 
humility and a reverent sense of the Lord's 
omnipotent care over us. He was very use- 
ful in our meetings for discipline, being zeal- 
ously concerned for the support of our Chris- 
tian testimony and the good order of the 
church ; manifesting a tender regard to such 
as had missed their way and became the ob- 
jects of care on that account. 

He was careful in the remembrance of the 
apostle's exhortation, to visit the fatherless 
and widow in their affliction, and to keep our- 
selves unspotted from the world ; so that it 
may be truly said of him, he was ready to do 
good and to communicate, and to honour the 



60 

Lord with his substance and with the fruits 
of his increase. 

Feeling an engagement of gospel love to 
visit the churches in Europe, and having the 
concurrence of his brethren^ he embarked for 
London^ at New York, in company with our 
friend William Matthews, in the Twelfth- 
month, 1782. The vessel being taken on 
her passage, in the English channel near the 
Isle of Wight, by a privateer from France^ 
they were carried to Dunkirk ; though soon 
after released, and arrived in England in the 
Second-month following. 

He continued in England, visiting the 
meetings of Friends in divers parts, until the 
ensuing Yearly Meeting held in London, 
which he attended ; from whence he proceed- 
ed to the northern counties, and embarked at 
Liverpool for Dublin, where he arrived in 
the Seventh-month. 

In the Fifth-month, 1785, he returned to 
England, and attended the Yearly Meeting 
held at London in the Sixth-month following; 
from whence he proceeded to the Western 
parts of that nation, and thence to Scotland, 
visiting the Orkney Islands and divers other 
places. He spent about two years in that 



61 

countrj^ where his religious hibours appear to 
have been very acceptable, especially to the 
poor people inhabiting the Orknies. 

After his return from thence, he remained 
in England, visiting the meetings in London 
and divers other places, till the Seventh-month 
1789, when he embarked on his return to this 
city. 

After continuing mostly with his family 
several succeeding years, sometimes visiting 
meetings in the neighbourhood of this city, 
and those more remote in the adjacent coun- 
try, a concern under which his mind had been 
exercised previous to his last return from 
Europe, from an apprehension of not being 
fully clear of some parts thereof, continuing 
and becoming increasingly weighty, he re- 
vived and spread the same before his brethren; 
and obtaining their concurrence to return 
thither, embarked in a ship bound for Amster- 
dam, the 28th of Fifth-month 1794, arriving 
there 12th of the Seventh-month following. 

Previous to his embarkation, his mind be- 
ing deeply impressed with reflections on the 
uncertainty of life, and affected with a tenderl- 
ing sense of the Divine goodness and mercy 

F 



62 

extended for his preservation, he left some 
observations in writing, from which the fol- 
lowing is extracted: — 

^' When I view my steps in life, and reflect 
how greatly deficient I have been, am hum- 
bled, and have great cause to admire the 
great compassion and long-suffering kindness 
of a gracious God, and with abasement, ac- 
knowledge it will be of his mercy, if I am 
saved. If I have been helped at times to be 
found faithful, it has been, and is through the 
efficacy of grace, and therefore no room to 
boast. My failure in duty and watchfulness 
has been great: through the religious care of 
pious parents when young, and an early sense 
of the Divine fear, I was and have been pre-r 
served from the gross evils of the world to 
this day, which is a great mercy and favoun 
But I have often passed under many hidden 
conflicts for disobedience and failure in duty, 
and at times ready to despair, and had to ac- 
knowledge the Lord is righteous, whatever 
might be my portion ; but after days of sorrow, 
and nights of deep exercise, he has been 
pleased to renew light and favour ; under a 
sense of which, I desire to be be found more 
attentive, diligent, and faithful, the residue of 



65 

my days, esteeming the light of the Lord's 
countenance, and the evidence of his peace, 
beyond all terrestrial enjoyments." 

He remained at Amsterdam a few weeks; 
in which he appears to have been engaged in 
religious labour towards the inhabitants of 
that city, to whom he addressed some ''Ten- 
der caution and advice," which was printed in 
Low-Dutch, and distributed amongst them. 

Finding his mind drawn to visit the few 
Friends settled at Pyrmont in Germany, he 
proceeded on the journey, and got to Hertford 
in Westphalia, the 27th of Eighth-month. 
The next day, walking about five miles to see 
some religious people^ and being caught in 
the rain, he took a heavy cold; the effect of 
which he never fully recovered. After being 
some time confined there, he was enabled to 
proceed by Ufelen, Bielefield, Lemgo, Barren- 
strop, Sec. to Pyrmont, where he arrived the 
12th of Ninth-month, having had meetings 
and acceptable service at all the before-men- 
tioned places, and many others on his way 
from Amsterdam, particularly at Bielefield, 
where he had a large public meeting, and ma- 
ny select opportunities, and also visited num- 
bers of the principal ^habitants, being gener- 



64 



ally well received, and his religious labours 
appearing to be acceptable. A memorandum 
made 6th of the Ninth-month, when at Biele- 
field, says, ^' The chill and fever renewed ; I 
was very unwell all the afternoon, and it con- 
tinued till midnight with a great thirst: yet, 
through the adorable mercy of a gracious 
God, I felt more of the incomes of his love 
and life-giving presence, than I have experi- 
enced a long time; that I was enabled to make 
melody in my heart, and recount his fatherly 
care and tender dealings with me, from the 
days of my infancy; and I had to bless his 
holy Name. And this comfortable visitation 
of his love and mercy continued for some 
hours, that I was ready to conclude I might 
soon be released from the trials and afflictions 
of this life." 

Between this time and the latter end of the 
Tenth-month, he had several public meetings 
at Pyrmont, Barrenstrop, and Lemgo, though 
not without some opposition at the two last 
places ; and notwithstanding his weak state of 
health, he regularly attended the meetings of 
those professing the truth at Pyrmont, hav- 
ing also many private opportunities with them 
in their families ; faithfully labouring for their 



65 

settlement on the true foundation. His bo- 
dily weakness increasing, he was unable to 
travel, and was much confined to his bed ; 
but about the middle of the First-month, 
1795, he was so much better as to be able to 
walk about his chamber, and his physician 
thought him almost out of danger. A few 
days after, he was suddenly seized with a 
chill and fever, which again confined him to 
his bed ; and his illness so increased the suc- 
ceeding night, that his surviving until the 
morning appeared doubtful. He continued 
very ill for several days, yet was favoured 
with much calmness and resignation of mind. 
On the 27th he was easier, but said^ ^' If I 
get through this time, it will be a hard strug- 
gle." On the 28th, being raised up by his 
desire, he expressed himself to this import — 
^VFriends who live in the truth, and are con- 
cerned to fulfil their religious duty, have of- 
ten deep proving seasons to pass through, be- 
fore they come to a clear discerning of the 
divine will with respect to leaving their own 
habitations; and when they come at that, 
and travel abroad in the service of the gospel, 
they have also many and deep baptisms to 

F^ 



66 

pass through." The 29th, his natural strength 
being much exhausted, he said, '^ It seems 
to draw nearer the solemn close.'' On the 
30th, the disorder much increased. In the 
afternoon he said, ^^ I have not been so tried 
in any sickness in all my life ; although I ne- 
ver experienced so much of the love of God 
in any of my journies heretofore^ as I have in 
this. 

On the 3Ist^ about three o'clock in the 
morning, being a little relieved from the op- 
pression and difficulty of breathing which he 
had laboured under, he said, " It is a great 
favour to know that my Redeemer lives, and 
because he lives^ I live also." Between nine 
and ten o'clock the physician intimated his 
opinion, that he would not continue much 
longer : asking what the doctor said, and be- 
ing informed, he replied calmly, *' we must 
be resigned — we must be resigned." This 
answer, and the composed manner in which it 
was delivered, affected the physician so much, 
that he expressed his surprize to see him, in 
such circumstances, so resigned : on which he 
said, " This is all we are taught to labour 
for — we should perfect holiness in the fear of 
God.'^ About noon he said, triumphantly^ 



^' I am departing for heaven, from you all ; to 
the kingdom of God and of Christ." 

His mind now seemed to be wrapped up 
in divine love, continuing to speak of God, 
of Christ, and of his kingdom; and the last 
words which could be distinctly understood, 
uttered (about twa o'clock) in a melodious 
voice, were, '^I can sing the songs of Zion 
and of Israel." Near seven in the evening 
he departed, being in the 68th year of his 
age — a minister about forty-three years. 

On the third of the Second-month, his bo- 
dy was solemnly interred in the burying 
ground of the Society professing with Friends, 
in Pyrmont, in a plain manner, which he had 
directed ; the spectators of this, to them new 
scene, appearing to be much affected on the 
solemn occasion. 



Testimony of the Monthly Meeting oj' Friends 
at Pyrmont in Westphalia^ Germany^ con- 
cerning Jons Pemberton of Philadel- 
phia^ in North America. 

SEEING it is recorded in Holy Writ, 
and confirmed by experience, that the " me- 



68 

mory of the just is blessed ;" and our beldved 
friend John Pemberton havings on a religious 
visit to Friends and friendly people in this 
nation, finished his course, and laid down his 
liead in peace amongst us ; the consideration 
of his religious service, and the lively sense 
thereof remaining fresh and as a good savour 
on our minds, has engaged us to transmit a 
testimony concerning this our beloved friend, 
to posterity. 

He was often led, in a manner unusual in 
these parts, to go into unknown houses, ga- 
ther the family about him, and, after an aw- 
ful pause, to distribute wholesome doctrine, 
counsel and advice among them. This man- 
ner, as it were (like in the Apostles' days) to 
break the bread from house to house, seemed 
sometimes at first to surprise the people; but 
when, after a short while, their minds were 
overshadowed by that invisible power which 
accompanied his words, and the witness of 
truth in them was reached, tears were often 
beheld to flow ; and at parting, the unknown 
were observed to take their leave of him as 
if well acquainted, in a tender and affecting 
manner. 



69 

His arrival at Pyrmont was on the 12th of 
the Ninth-month, and his stay amongst us 
about four months; during which time he 
was mostly very poorly in healthy but never- 
theless almost daily occupied in the service 
of Truth ; for as his bodily health permitted 
liim, he not only attended punctually our 
public and monthly meetings, and visited 
Friends in their families, but had also many 
private opportunities, and several public meet- 
ings with the Towns-people, which were ve- 
ry numerous, and wherein he was enabled to 
preach the free gospel of Christ with divine 
authority ; so that not only sometimes the 
whole assembly seemed to be clothed with an 
awful reverence, but also the hearts of many 
were moved, and the witness of God in them 
reached, by his living testimony. At such 
opportunities he seemed, to the admiration of 
those who knew his weak constitution, not to 
feel his bodily weakness at all, usually lifting 
up his voice as a strong youth, to testify of 
the great love of God towards mankind. 

It was his principal concern to turn people 
from darkness to light, and from the power 
of Satan to God ; endeavouring to shew that 
God has given a measure of his Spirit, and 



70 

light or grace to all men, as a talent, which he 
has placed in their hearts. 

His ministry was in plainness of speech, 
and attended with divine authority ; for his 
words, whether they contained exhortation, 
comfort, or reproof, reached the inward states 
of those whom it concerned ; and he has often 
spoke, both in our meetings and at other op- 
portunities, so exactly to the state of indivi- 
duals, that there was no doubt left, but he 
was led by the unerring Spirit of truth ; and 
more especially in his particular service among 
us^ as fellow-professors of the same principles 
of that unchangeable truth, for the promotion 
of which he spent his life. 

The solemn reverence of his waiting spirit 
appeared so manifest in his countenance, that 
others who beheld him, were thereby invited 
to stillness ; and such as had a desire of hear- 
ing words^ were taught by his example to 
turn their minds inward, to the measure of 
grace in themselves ; shewing that it is infi- 
nitely better to keep silent before the Lord, 
than to utter words that are not accompanied 
with the life-giving and baptising power of 
the Spirit ; which must needs enliven them 
if tl^ey shall be truly profitable. 



71 

After his return to Pyrmont he had repeat- 
edly accesses of an mflammatory fever; and 
on the 23d of the Eleventh-month, m the even- 
ing, it seized him so suddenly with a violent 
chill, that he was obliged to leave the compa- 
ny of some friends, who were come to see 
him, and go to bed. Next morning the phy- 
sician came to see him, and at parting, welsh- 
ing him that he might get better ; he replied, 
^^ my hope is in the Lord ;" and he continued 
in a patient, resigned state of mind ; although 
to appearance, in great pain of body. His 
mind seemed to be totally free from temporal 
concerns, and only occupied with objects re- 
lating to everlasting truth : and particularly, 
he seemed much concerned for the welfare of 
the little Society of Friends in this place, even 
to his very last moments. 

A few days before his decease, his compa- 
nion mentioned to him a strait and diiBculty 
that Friends of Pyrmont were brought under, 
by reason of several hundreds of French emi- 
grants who were come to take up their winter 
quarters at, and to be billetted iOn the inha- 
bitants of Pyrmont. After a little pause, he 
said in substance as follows : *' Friends are 
often brought to the strait and narrow gate ; 



72 

and therefore it is necessary and incumbent 
for them to act in the counsel of best wisdom ; 
and if any thing is imposed on them by the 
laws of the country, and the authority of the 
magistrate, to suffer it in the meek and pati- 
ent spirit of Jesus.'' 

His disorder having much increased, he 
suffered exceedingly; but kept remarkably pa- 
tient and resigned; and being a little relieved 
from the great oppression and difficulty of 
breathing which he had laboured under, he 
said—" It is a great favour to know that my 
Redeemer lives, and because he lives, I live 
also.'' This he expressed about three o'clock 
in the morning of the 31st, being the day of 
his decease; and a little after, he said to his 
companion and the Friend that assisted him, 
*' You are very kind, and I have been careful- 
ly nursed; I wish you may grow and increase 
in every thing that is good, and become a 
spiritual and holy house unto God." A while 
after, a friend said to him, that it was pleasing 
and encouraging to see him so much resign- 
ed ; to which he replied nearly as follows ; 
*^ Ah! we may see, miracles have not ceased; 
great and marvellous are his works; he is 
mighty to save and able to deliver to the ve- 



ry uttermost, ail those that trust in him; his 
ways are ways of wonder and past finding 
out." And about 9 o'clock he said, "The 
Spirit searches all things; yea, the deep things 
of God.'^ Seeming to be much exercised in 
his mind about the professors of Truth at 
Pyrmontj he said, '^ Some are now very full 
of themselves^ and are persecuting the Lord's 
church ; but it is a wrong spirit. There is a 
spirit that is doing the church much harm ; 
but I am not of that spirit, and it is best to 
avoid that spirit which sets up for itself. 
They run from one evil spirit to another ; and 
it is a deceiving spirit. My heart is heavy on 
account of these things."' A while after this, 
he said again, " The Spirit searches all things, 
yea, the deep things of God." And then, a 
little after, he expressed himself nearly as fol- 
lows: — "The fear of the Lord is a fountain 
of life, which opens the mysteries of God's 
kingdom ; but the wisdom of this v/orld is 
foohshness with God" — adding, but I dont 
want to launch into many words, but to bring 
into a sameness of soul." About 12 o'clock 
he said, in a triumphant manner, " I am de- 
parting for heaven, and from you all; to the 

G 



74 

kingdom of God and of Christ/' After this 
he said, ^' You can prove these things, wheth- 
er they are agreeable to the scriptures of 
God and of Christ, yea or nay.'' And then 
he expressed in a weighty manner nearly as 
follows : — '* It is not circumcision nor uncir- 
cumcision, but a new creature. Faith comes 
by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, 
which lives and abides forever." And a 
iittle after, '^ They who are justified, are jus- 
tified by the. faith of Jesus Christ." And 
afterwards he earnestly said, ** Woe unto the 
world because of offences." 

His mind seemed to be overcome with Di- 
vine love, and his words were of God, and. 
of Christ and his kingdom : and the last that 
could be distinctly understood, which he ut- 
tered with a melodious voice, were these : ^' I 
can sing the songs of Zion and of Israel;" 
which is a demonstrative proof that he had 
not followed cunningly devised fables; but 
the living substance of Truth and true reli* 
gion. 



Testimony of the Monthly Meeting of Hors- 
ham concerning Peter Yarnall, xvho 
departed this life at his house in Byherry^ 
the 20th day of the Second months 1798, in 
the 45th year of his age, after a short illness* 

THIS our worlby friend was born in 
the city of Philadelphia, and was the son of 
our esteemed friend Mordecai Yarnall ; from 
whose precepts and example^ in the time of 
his youth^ he widely departed^ which was 
cause of much grief to his pious father ; so 
that he might justly be compared to the pro- 
digal son, who wandered into a far country 
and spent his portion in riotous living. In 
the time of the late revolution he entered into 
the army, where he continued a considerable 
time, but being followed by the tender re- 
proofs of the Shepherd of Israel, he was at 
length made willing to deny himself, take up 
his cross, and to become a fool in the eyes of 
his former associates ; and after enduring a 
season of conflict and deep baptism, he was 
qualified for, and called to the work of the 
ministry, in which he became zealously en- 
gaged to promote the cause of truth and righ- 
teousness. He removed with his family with- 



76 

in the compass of our Monthly Meeting, a 
few years since^ where he faithfully laboured 
in the work of the ministry. And of him w^ 
thmk it may be said, that he was '' fervent in 
spirit^ serving the Lord," and edifying his 
church; willing to spend and to be spent in his 
cause : to whom he often acknowledged his 
great obligations^ in plucking him as a brand 
out of the burning ; having frequently in his 
testimony to declare of the Lord's long-suf-* 
fering^ tender, and gracious dealings with 
him; and to invite the prodigal sons to return 
to the father's house, where there is bread e- 
nough and to spare {which he had abundantly 
experienced) and to rest no longer satisfied 
with feeding upon husks. Much of his time 
was given up in travelling abroad to promote 
truth and righteousness amongst mankind. 
He frequently had religious meetings appoint- 
ed amongst those not of our society, and was 
often favoured to lift up his voice, in the pow- 
cr and authority of truth, to publish the gos-^ 
pel of salvation — to the awakening of the care- 
less, and to the encouragement of the weary 
traveller Zion-ward, He several times visited 
most of the eastern and southern States. In 
his last visit to the former^ in a letter to a 



77 

friend, he thus wrote : " I have been under a 
close apprehension since I first came to New- 
England, that if spared to get home (which 
perhaps may be granted) I should never have 
it in my power to be here more.'' 

Some of his last expressions being retained, 
are nearly as follow. 

In the afternoon of the 14th of the Second- 
month being taken very ill, he thus expressed 
himself to his wife : ^' My dear, 1 dont know 
that I ever felt myself more poorly than at this 
time, I feel no anxiety on my own account, 
but thine, and the children's, and the precious 
cause of truth : if my gracious master has 
any thing more for me to do, I should be wil- 
ling to be raised again ; but have seen that 
1 shall be a man of affliction as long as I am 
continued — the Lord's will be done." Some 
time after, desiring his wife to sit by him, he 
said, '^ Heaven is a glorious place ; into which 
I have no doubt of an entrance, if I should 
be removed at this time. I acknowledge it is 
awful to think of appearing before the bar of 
the just Judge ; but on looking at it, I feel 
my jmind centred in uninterrupted quiet.'' 
Towards evening, mentioned he thought of 

G2 



78 

trying to sit up, and have the family to sit 
down together with him, which was his fre- 
quent practice. 

15th — ^Being queried with respecting send- 
ing for a physician, he said, his dependance 
never had been upon outward physicians^ but 
believed they might sometimes be a means of 
giving some temporary relief to the poor 
body. 

16th — The physician being come to see 
him, he imparted to him that his dependance 
was on the Lord Jesus alone, not on medi- 
cine ; but submitted to those about him in 
taking it. On perceiving his wife to be af- 
fected, he said, "My dear, thou must give 
me up to the Lord, who certainly will do right. 
May our dwellings be beside the still waters. 
May est thou be enabled to keep there in the 
deepest proving seasons." Some time after, 
said, '* O the preciousness of the unity of the 
Spirit ! I never felt my dear friends nearer to 
me^ I think, at any time ; and I thought I 
never felt a greater flow of love towards them 
universally, than when in our meeting last, 
although I was silent. 

17th — A friend coming to see him, he said, 
^*I have been sensible of many infirmities ^ 



but I believe I have an evidence that my gra- 
cious Master has blotted out my transgressi- 
ons.^' Some hours after, addressing his 
daughter, he said : *^ If I should be taken 
away nov^, I am apprehensive I shall go to 
rest, though I am a poor weak creature, and 
have nothing to boast of. I have been con- 
cerned for thee and the rest of my children, 
and prayed for you since I have been on this 
sick bed.'' After recommending obedience 
and gratitude to her observance, he added, 
** I desire thou mayest so live, that the Lord 
may bless thee : and to walk in his fear is the 
only way to obtain it." After speaking of 
the weight of his disorder, he said, ^* The 
Lord Jesus, my Saviour, is near, whatever 
becomes of this poor body, I hope my gra- 
cious Master will give me patience to wait 
his time." Speaking to the children, he said, 
*^ O, my dear children ! love, fear, and serve 
God." He divers times addressed them near- 
ly after this sort^ when coming to speak to 
him — '^ Now, dear children, you seethe need 
of preparing for such a time as this : it would 
be miserable, indeed, if I did not feel an easy 
mind." *' O, the goodness of the blessed Je- 
sus !" was frequently his language. He often 



80 

appeared to be in fervent supplication, when 
very little could be understood, but '' Lord, 
thv will, not mine, be done." 

A little before his departure, being asked 
how he was, said, '' In the Lord's keeping : I 
have that evidence." He then took an affec- 
tionate farewell of his wife, and quietly ex- 
pired. 



Testimony of Motherkill Monthly Meeting 
concerning Philena Lay. 

THIS, our valued friend, being early 
deprived of her parents, was brought up by an 
endeared relative, in Accomack county, Vir- 
ginia, and educated in the principles of Friends, 
which became the religion of her judgment. 
She was preserved in great circumspection of 
conduct when young in years, although at the 
distance of sixty miles from any meeting or 
Friends, except the family she resided with ; 
who were concerned to support meetings in 
their house twice a week. When arrived to 
mature age, she became a member of our re- 
ligious Society, and the wife of Baptist Lay, 
of Sussex county, a member of Cold Spring 
Meeting ; which station she occupied w^ith 



81 

discretion and tenderness, as also in her ma- 
ternal care towards her offspring. She was a 
Valuable neighbour, being particularly atten- 
tive to the sick, and remarkably exemplary 
in a persevering attendance of meetings^ and 
solid deportment therein ; a great part of her 
time having to attend Monthly Meetings at 
forty and fifty miles distance, and the Quar- 
terly Meeting near one hundred ; yet she ge- 
nerally attended, except some material pre- 
vention occurred, and oft times under bodily 
infirmity ; that simplicity and purity which 
is characteristic of the Lamb's followers, be- 
ing much the clothing of her spirit. And we 
believe she has now exchanged a state of sor- 
row and mourning for one of joy unspeaka- 
ble. 

She appeared, in a few words, at times, in 
public testimony, and her offerings being own- 
ed, as arising from the Spring of Life, she was 
recommended as a minister; which proving an 
encouragement to her diffident mind, she ex- 
perienced a considerable enlargement; her 
ministry being sound and edifying. She was 
several times acceptably engaged in the weigh- 
ty service of visiting families. 



82 

She was taken ill on her way to the Spring 
Meeting; and after some amendment, pro- 
ceeded^ and reached to the latter part there- 
of. On her return, she was again attacked 
with the former complaint, wherein she ap- 
peared resigned ; observing, she had never 
seen, since her leaving home, that she should 
return thither* 

For some time before her close, her mind 
seemed turned, in sweet ejaculations, to the 
Highest; at times breaking out more intelli-* 
gibly, '' O dear Father! my precious and 
only One*" She dropped many expressions 
edifying to those who attended her ; and when 
nearly losing the powers of speech, the Ian- 
guage of Holy, Holy, Holy Father was, in a 
voice scarcely intelligible, frequently uttered; 
gradually resigning her breath and spirit to 
him who gave them, in the fiftieth year of her 
age, the ]5th of the Fourth -month, 1797, 
being a minister about eight years. 



83 



Testimony from New Garden Monthly Meet- 
ings in Chester County^ concerning Han- 

NAH LiNPLEY, 

THIS our beloved friend was born in 
New Garden, in the Fifth-month 1755. Her 
parents, James and Rebecca Miller, were 
Friends in good esteem. As she grew up to 
the state of a young woman, she met with 
various trials; and has often been heard, with 
thankfuhiess, to acknowledge the loving kind- 
ness of her heavenly Father, in preserving 
her. About the nineteenth year of her age 
she was married to William Miller, of New 
Garden aforesaid^ entered into the cares of a 
large family, and approved herself well qualifi- 
ed for such a charge : her deportment and con- 
versation being grave arid solid, yet affable and 
instructive. Carefully improving the talents 
she was favoured with, she became qualified 
for service in the church; and after many bap- 
tising seasons J in much diffidence^ she had to 
declare unto others what the Lord had done 
for her souL 

During her widowhood she experienced 
various trials and exercises, particularly on 
account of her bearing a faithful testimony a* 



8^ 

gainst war, for which she suffered much in 
property, being stripped in so extraordinary 
a manner, that she has been heard to express, 
her faith was closely tried; but was mercifully 
sustained ; relying on that arm that is invisible. 
She was afterwards married to our friend 
Jacob Lindley ; was a diligent attender of our 
religious meetings, and careful in making 
way for her family to attend them also : and 
frequently on the afternoon of First-day, 
would collect her children and others under 
her direction, and promote the reading of the 
holy scriptures. As she sat in meeting, the* 
gravity and composure of her countenance 
and becoming manner of sitting, bespoke deep 
inward recollection and divine engagement: 
her public testimony was acceptable, being 
seasoned with a lively savour ; in supplication 
deep and fervent. She sympathized with her 
fellow creatures under affliction, having at 
times remarked, ^^When I have gone only to 
pay formal visits, 1 have returned empty and 
barren ; but when I have given attention to 
the small intimations presented to my view, 
to visit the afflicted, or to administer some re- 
lief to the necessitous, I have been favoured 
to return with a calm and peaceful mind.'' 



85 

In the Ninth-month last, afte%a time of 
close exercise, she apprehended it would con- 
duce most to her peace to attend the yearly- 
meeting in Philadelphia, it being at that time, 
[1798] an awful dispensation of sickness and 
mortality in the city ; and in the opening of 
the meeting of ministers and ciders on Se- 
venth-day, she was favoured in solemn sup- 
plication, to the comfort of Friends present. 

During her stay in the city, she more than 
once observed, that she had the reward of 
sweet peace in performing what she believed 
was required of her; having said to her hus- 
band, before they left home, " If thou and I, 
and many more should fall in the attempt, the 
sacrifice is small compared with the testimony. 
Shortly after she returned home, being seized 
with the fever then so mortal in the city, she e- 
vinced much Christian fortitude ; and being 
queried with how she felt as to the event, repli- 
ed, "As to life or death, I have not seen ; with 
respect to outward things, it might appear desi- 
rable to stay some time longer, but the Lord can 
tnake it easy, and enable me to resign." At 
another time, being asked how she felt, an- 
swered, " My mind is preserved perfectly 

H 



86 

quiet and calm^ which I esteem an unspeak- 
able favour.'' Some time after, mention was 
made of a person who had lately passed 
through some afflictive seasons; she said, 
** Poor mortals are dull scholars, not willing 
to learn : though the Almighty administers 
dispensations like judgments, yet it may be 
in great mercy, as he leaves nothing undone, 
in order to save the soul of his creature man.'' 
Continuing in a sweet composure of mind, 
after about five days illness, she finished her 
course on the 3rd day of the Tenth-month, 
1798, in the 44th year of her age. The re- 
membrance of her innocent life and meek 
spirit lives with us, and her memorial re- 
mains to be sweet and precious to many minds. 

Testimony of Chester Monthly Meeting con- 
cerning James Emlen, who was born and 
educated in the City of Philadelphia. 

IT having pleased the Lord, in unsearch- 
able wisdom, to remove from works to re- 
wards this our beloved friend, who lived a 
number of years in near union and religious 
fellowship with us; and through the sweet 
and powerful influence of the Spirit of Truth, 



87 

(the extendings whereof he hath been heard 
to say, he felt at divers tmies, when very 
youngs in an extraordinary manner) he was 
favoured to decline the gayeties and vain a- 
musements of the world. 

About the Twenty-second year of his age, 
he married and settled at Middletown ; and 
being adorned in an eminent degree, with 
humility, meekness, gravity, and true self- 
denial, he became gradually qualified for ex- 
tensive usefulness in the church, filling with 
great propriety the important station of an el- 
der ; his passions being so restrained, that we 
believe few have exceeded him in an even- 
ness of temper through the vicissitudes of 
life. In the year 1793 his virtuous and truly 
religious helpmate was removed by death, 
whereby the care of their young children de- 
volved upon him, to whom he was a very af- 
fectionate and tender parent, though firm in 
restraining them from undue liberties in dress, 
company, &c. it being almost his invariable 
practice, (when at home) on the afternoon of 
First-days, to have them collected about him, 
reading the scriptures of Truth and other re- 
ligious books, or exercising and improving 
tlieir mental faculties; feeling for and em- 



88 

bracing proper seasons of silent retirement 
with his family, and for the expression of such 
counsel as impressed his mind under the pow- 
er of Divine love. He devoted much of his 
time to the service of religion. 

He attended the opening of our yearly 
meeting at Philadelphia, in the Ninth-month 
1798, and on the 4th day of the same week, 
felt symptoms of the awful contagion, then 
spreading in the city. During his illness he 
expressed^ in substance^ that it was the 
Lord's will ; and that he was perfectly resign- 
ed thereto^ and felt in such a calm, quiet frame 
of mind, that he did not stand in need of any 
human consolation/^ So ended his pious and 
exemplary life, on the 3rd of the Tenth- 
month, 1798, aged about 38 years. 



Testimony of the Monthly Meeting of Had^ 
donfield concerning Joshua Evens, a 
Minister. 

HE was born in the year 1731, and de- 
scended from religious parents, from whom he 
received a pious education whilst young; not- 
wkhstanding which, and the many favours of 
our gracious and merciful Father, he gave 



89 

way to a libertine spirit, which, united with 
an inclination for unprofitable company, and 
practices consequent thereon^ he became cap- 
tivated by vanity and folly, and widely strayed 
from the path of rectitude, to the wounding 
of his own peace ; nevertheless, being visited 
with sickness^ and not expecting to recover, he 
says, "My prayers were for mercy; which 
was so far granted, that I felt willing to die, 
and made many covenants to amend my ways; 
but as health increased, I went into my old 
liberties, straying hither and thither, full and 
empty, joyful and sorrowful; having forsaken 
the living waters." 

But after his marriage, in the year 1753, 
he was again favoured with a renewed visita- 
tion of heavenly regard, which, joining in 
with, he became weaned from his old associ- 
ates, and with renewed dedication of heart, 
resigned himself to the guidance of his great 
and good Master ; under whose influence, he 
w^as led to say, " My love to God so over- 
balanced lower enjoyments, I seemed as a 
pilgrim who had none inheritance here, and 
had a foresight of an untrodden path, or a 
lonely way to walk in," Being led (more 

H2 



90 

particularly in his latter days) to circumscribe 
his temporal views, and to confine them with- 
in the narrow limits of a truly self-denying^ 
life, he was engaged, both by precept and ex- 
ample, to enforce the duty of the Christian, in 
an humble walking before men. 

His ministry was soiind; and being accom- 
panied with gospel authority, had a tendency 
to reach the witness in many minds, which 
opened his way for plain dealing with the re- 
bellious and gainsayers. 

He was many years deeply exercised on ac- 
count of the enslaved Africans; and being 
engaged to plead their cause, as opportunity 
offered, he was led to say, that he never re- 
ceived a greater reward than for his faithful- 
ness therein. 

During several years of the latter part of 
his life, he was assiduously engaged in visit- 
ing the churches on this continent; and upon 
his return from his last journey, he said to his 
wife, that it seemed as though his labours in 
America were closed, and in a few days after, 
viz. on the morning of the 7th day of the Se- 
venth. month 1798, he arose early, and went 
into the field to labour, but feeling himself 
unwell, speedily returned into the house and 



91 



retired to bed, where he expired in a few min 
tites, without any apparent conflict of nature- 
in the 68th year of his age. 



Testimony from Third-Haven Monthly Meet- 
ifigy in Mary landy concerning James Har- 
ris. 

AS this our beloved friend was, for his 
piety and humble walking, uprightness, and 
regularity of conduct and conversation, wor- 
thy to be remembered amongst the faithful 
in his day, we think it right to give forth the 
following testimony concerning him. 

He had his education in the way of that 
called the Church of England, and was in the 
early part of his life convinced, by the opera- 
tion of Truth in his own mind, of the neces- 
sity of living a godly, righteous, and sober 
life ; but did not make much progress in the 
path of true religion until near the thirtieth 
year of his age ; about which time, attending 
more closely to the witness in himself, he 
joined a pious people, distinguished by the 
name of Nicholites. As he was favoured 
with a spiritual discerning and stability in the 
Truth beyond many, he at length became se^ 



92 

cretly exercised in spirit respecting their situa- 
tion, from an apprehension that a junction with 
the Society of Friends would tend to mutual ad- 
vantage in the way of truth ; and under the 
weight and exercise thereof^ was sometimes led 
to mention it to ftis fellow professors ; but the 
opposition which appeared in some, together 
with his own fears and discouragements pre- 
vailing at times, we believe caused him deep 
wading for some years; but through the con- 
tinued favours of divine regard, from time to 
time manifested in his own mind, and the help 
of the spirits of brethren and sisters under a si- 
milar exercise, he became more and more con- 
firmed that it was the Lord's work : until at 
length way opening, he, with a majority of that 
Society in these parts, requested to be received 
into membership with Friends ; most of whom, 
some time after, were accordingly united to 
us ; and continuing to exercise his gift to sa- 
tisfaction, he became an approved Minister 
amongst us, being accompanied with con- 
vincing energy and power. 

Having, we believe, passed through many 
proving seasons in the course of his pilgrim- 
age, and we think it may be truly said, come 
to a firm establishment on the foundatioa 



93 

which standelh sure, it pleased divine Good* 
ness to remove him from his church militant, 
after an iUness of about three weeks, which 
he bore with remarkable patience and resig- 
nation tp the divine will — expressing, that if 
the Lord had any further service for him to 
do, he desired to be raised to do it; and if 
not, he was resigned either in life or death — 

that his outward affairs were settled nearlv ta 

ft 

his mind. 

One night being in great pain,, a friend 
said, he hoped he had comfort in his afflic- 
tion — Ah, said he, if it was not for that, 
what a poor creature should I be ; for that is 
worthy to be sought after above all other con- 
siderations. A young man standing by his 
bed-side, he said to him, " My great desire 
for thee is, that thou mayest prepare for such 
a time as this." At another time he said, "\ 
have been greatly favoured, that I have no- 
thing to fear beyond the grave ; for I have 
felt a great change wrought by the power of 
divine love.'^ At another time, being under 
great pain of body, said, " Lord, grant me 
patience to endure thy dispensation. O wel- 
come death ! Lord, thy kingdom come ! thy 
kingdom come !'' At another time he called 



94 

his only son to him, and desired him and all 
his children^ to remember the poor, and be 
kind to them for his sake ; in particular the 
poor tenants, not to deal hard with them ; for 
they come hard by what they get^ and the 
year had been difficult ; nor distress the poor 
for money due to him; and desired that all 
his children might remember the example he 
had set before them, that it might be a bles* 
sing to them — x\nd seeing them round him, 
expressed a great desire that they might seek 
the Lord for their portion above all other en- 
joyments ; ''for,''' said he, "if I had these 
rooms full of gold, and the work of reforma- 
tion not experienced, what could it do for 
me ? it would help to make me the more mi- 
serable ; for I have thought, sometimes, that 
I was as rich as heart could wish, and I feel 
nothing but love, and the smiles of the hea- 
venly Father's countenance upon me; and 
what more can I desire ?" further observing, 
that as there was one of them who was likely 
to have a numerous offspring, he much de- 
sired she might seek divine strength, where- 
by to be made able to raise up a family of 
godly children, and prove a blessing to them, 
both in time and in eternity. Seeing his wife 



95 

sorrowing, he desired her not to grieve after 
him, but to continue faithful ; that when her 
time here should be no longer, she might be 
happy in the end : and said^ that if he thought 
he should live but one hour, his soul would 
rejoice; but added^ ^^not my will, but thine 
be done;'' abundantly manifesting through 
the course of his affliction, a becoming resig- 
nation either in life or death. 

At another time, being asked if ?he would 
take a little wine and water, he replied no, he 
was waiting for that w^hich was without mix- 
ture. His weakness increasing, that he could 
hardly speak to be understood, he said, he 
hoped the Lord would take the will for the 
deed, for he had not strength to express what 
was upon his mind— and quietly resigned his 
breath to him who gave it, on the 5th of the 
Tenth-month, 1799, aged about 66 years : 
and we doubt not but he rests from his la= 
bours, and his works they follow him. 



96 



Testimony of the Monthly Meeting of Phi- 
ladelphia for the Northern District^ con- 
cerning Samuel Emlen. 

HE was bom in Philadelphia on the 
15th of the First-month, called March, in the 
year 1729-30;, O. S. of religious parents. 
From his own account, he had in his youthful 
days frequent temptations to wander from the 
path of virtue, but through the pious care of 
his friends, and more especially by a secret 
restraining power, he was happily preserved 
from gross evils. As he advanced to man- 
hood^ his love for the Truth, and those who 
were living examples of its efficacy, increas- 
ing, he accompanied our friend Michael 
Lightfoot in a religious visit to Virginia and 
part of North Carolina. About the 26th year 
of his age he embarked for Europe, and ac- 
companying our friend A, Farrington in his 
religious services in Ireland, he first appeared 
in the ministry at Carlow, and several times 
afterwards in that nation and in England, in a 
few words^ with much acceptance. 

He visited, in Truth's service, many parts 
of this continent ; once the Island of Barba- 
does, and seven times crossed the ocean to 



97 

Europe. Beside England^ he twice visited 
Holland, and was several times in Ireland ; 
endearing himself in all places, and leaving 
many seals of his ministry where he labour- 
ed ; being a lively instance of the efficacy of 
that grace which he preached to others; not 
using the word of God deceitfully, but ma- 
nifesting its power by nieekness, humility, 
and love unfeigned. His knowledge of seve- 
ral languages ; his peculiar gift in applying 
portions of the sacred writings ; with an un- 
affected, engaging deportment and affability 
of manners, frequently made way for him a- 
mong the great of this world, and with fo- 
reigners : when in company with such, his 
greatest concern was to impress upon their 
minds the superior benefits to be derived from 
a life of holiness^ and the comparative empti- 
ness and vanity of this world's fading honours 
and enjoyments; often declaring that he was 
neither bigot nor sectarian^ but a lover of all 
who loved the Lord Jesus in sincerity : to 
these, of whatever class or rank, he was a 
nursing father, speaking a word in season^ to 
their comfort. Being himself a great lover 
of the plain way of truth, he was often led, 

I 



98 

in a close and searching manner, to reprove 
the libertine professors who had departed, or 
such as were in danger of departing from un- 
der its safe and simple guidance, into the 
vain fashions, customs, or opinions of the 
w^orld, or into an unbounded pursuit of its 
fading riches; yet an encourager of honest in^ 
dustry, pursued within the sacred limits which 
Truth prescribes. 

He was peculiarly gifted for consolatory vi- 
sits to the afflicted in body or in mind, which 
he often manifested in the families of Friends, 
wherever he was, without distinction; and 
frequently amongst those not of our religi- 
ous society ; and this employment filled up 
a great part of his time. 

In ipeetings, his deportment was solid and 
instructive, his delivery clear and comprehen- 
sive, an holy unction attending his Gospel 
labours. 

In Friends' families he often appeared to 
take but little interest in the conversation, ex- 
cept when it turned on religious subjects, he 
then became animated, manifesting by godly 
converse, and pious devotion to his Master's 
cause, (to the edification and instruction of 
those who were with him) that his chief de^ 



P9 

light was in the law of the Lord, and his med- 
itations therein both frequent and fervent. 

He was naturally of a tender and delicate 
habit from his youth, which gradually in. 
creased upon him, so that in his declining 
years he suffered much bodily pain ; yet in 
the intervals, he wsls as lively in spirit and in- 
dustrious in the cause of righteousness as e- 
ver ; knowing, as he expressed, that he must 
shortly put off this earthly tabernacle. 

In his last visit to Europe, he was incapa- 
ble of travelling much, yet his services in 
families and in the church, in Lancashire and 
Dublin, to which he was principally confined, 
were very comfortable and edifying to 
Friends, and appeared to set the last seal to 
his abundant labours in England and Ireland. 

Sometime after his return home in 1 797, he 
gradually declined in his health, yet, as usual, 
attended most of the meetings in this city^ fil- 
ling up the intermediate time, principally in 
religious and brotherly visits to the families of 
Friends. In the last meeting which he atten- 
ded at the north meeting house, he enlarged 
in much Gospel authority, to the edification 
and comfort of the audience, on the efficacy 



100 

of that faith which overcometh the world, and 
is the saints' victory. 

About the middle of the Twelfth-month 
1799, his complaint returning with increasing 
frequency^ he continued very tender to his 
children and others about him, saying, ^' I 
deem their sympathy and affectionate attend- 
ance upon me, a blessing from heaven. Du- 
ring his waking hours, the attributes of God, 
whom he had long served, were almost his 
perpetual theme : he was frequent in declara- 
tion of his power, of his mercy and goodness 
to his soul, and in acknowledgements of the 
rich consolations with which his mind was 
supported^ repeating, *' Their sins and their 
iniquities will I remember no more ;" and in 
much brokenness of spirit, *^ Ye shall have a 
song as in the night when an holy solem- 
nity is kept, and gladness of heart as when 
one goeth with a pipe, 'to come into the 
mountain of the Lord, to the mighty one of 
Israel. O, the tears of holy joy which flow 
down my cheeks ; sing praises, high praises, 
unto my God — I feel nothing in my Vj\y; al- 
though my conduct through life has not been, 
in every respect^ so guarded as it might have 
been, yet the main bent of my mind has been 



101 

to serve thee, O God, who art glorious in ho- 
liness, fearful in praises. I have, I am sure, 
loved godliness and hated iniquity ; that my 
petitions to the throne of Grace have been ac- 
companied with faith." 

The daily calls and sympathy of his friends, 
during his short confinement to his hou^e, 
were very comfortable to him. 

On First-day the 29th of the Twelfth- 
month, he was cheerful and pleasant in con- 
versation^ and dropped many affectionate 
expressions respecting his dear friends in 
England and Ireland, naming a number of 
them, with fervent breathings to the God of 
all grace for their preservatioii and increase in 
the Truth; desiring a friend sitting by, to 
mention in his letters to some, that he felt a 
portion of that love for them which was 
stronger than death. He went to bed about 
ten o'clock in the evening, lay awhile without 
pain, fell comfortably to sleep for about an 
hour, when he awoke ; and being seized ve- 
ry violently, and in a manner more alarming 
to his family than at any time before, two of 
his near connections were called in, as also a 
physician, when he took an affectionate leave 

12 



102 

of his family. As there was no prospect of 
benefit from further medical aid, he wished 
that nothing more might be attempted, but 
inclined to lay as quiet as possible, saying, 
*'A11 I want is heaven; Lord, receive my 
spirit;" and desired those about him should 
unite in prayer that he might be preserved in 
patience to the end ; ^' my pain is great ; my 
God, grant me patience, humble depending 
patience. Call upon me in the day of trou- 
ble, I will deliver thee^ and thou shalt glorify 
me;" and repeated with great fervency a con- 
siderable part of the Lord's prayer, and ^' Oh, 
how precious a thing it is to feel the Spirit it- 
self bearing witness with our spirits, that we 
are his." After which, " Oh! riiis soul is an 
awful thing : I feel it so ; you that hear me 
mind it is an awful thing to die: the invisible 
world, how awful!" His end now fast ap- 
proaching, he said^ '^. I entreat that nothing be 
done to me, except what I may request ; that 
my mind may not be diverted; that my whole 
mind may be centred in aspiration to the 
throne of Grace" — Shortly after, ^' Almighty 
Father, come quickly, if it be thy holy will, 
and receive my spirit." He lay awhile, the 
conflict being apparently over, but feeling 



103 

again the clogs of mortality, he said, in a low 
voice, *' I thought I was gone," and added, 
^' Christ Jesus, receive my spirit,'' which 
were nearly his last words ; soon after which 
he quietly departed, we humbly trust in peace 
with God and all men^ about half past four 
o'clock in the morning of the 30th of Twelfth- 
month, 1799. 



Testimony/ of Motherkill Monthly Meeting 
concerning Warner Mifflin. 

THIS our beloved friend was lx)rn in 
the county of Accomack, on the eastern shore 
of Virginia : being, in his early years, much 
separated from the society of Friends, except 
his father's family, through great exposure 
he partook of some of the levities incident to 
youthful life, yet was in good measure preserv- 
ed from gross immorality. 

When arrived to man's estate, he married 
and settled within the limits of this meeting. 
Through humble submission to the opera- 
tion of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus^ he 
was made instrumental in advancing the tes- 
timony of Truth in divers respects; and be- 
ing exemplary in simplicity and mo<|Jeration; 



104 

was careful to bring up his children agreeably 
thereto. As he earnestly endeavoured to 
promote the cause of truth and righteousness 
in his day, he grew in solid experience, and 
was enabled to fill up his portion of duty in 
the church as an Elder^ seeking with a tender 
watchful care, the welfare of all ; being a va- 
luable standard-bearer in the maintenance of 
our Christian discipline, in its various branch- 
es. He was careful in maintaining, with be- 
coming meekness, a testimony against war^ 
and the spirit of it ; and united with his bre- 
thren in faithful labour for the support of our 
testimony against the common use of spiritu- 
ous liquors, his exemplary conduct wherein, 
had a reaching effect, tending to promote 
moderation among his fellow members and 
others. Being eminently qualified as a peace- 
maker, he was frequently made use of in set- 
tling differences ; but that which conspicu- 
jftusly marked his character, was his disinter- 
ested labours and dedication of his time and 
talents in advocating the cause, and promot- 
ing the liberation of the oppressed Black Peo- 
ple. After releasing a considerable number 
who were in his own possession, and being 
successfully engaged in reclaiming many of his 



105 

fellow members from the iniquitous practice of 
Slave 'holding, he frequently expostulated on 
that subject with rulers and men in power, 
in Christian boldness, influenced, as we be- 
lieve, with wisdom from above ; endeavour- 
ing to dissuade them from encouraging the 
unrighteous trafiic, pointing out its cruelly 
oppressive effects upon the lives and liberties 
of our fellow men. 

He was diligent and exemplary in the at- 
tendance of our religious meetings, wherein 
he manifested a lively faith, encouraging to 
others. 

His last journey was from an apprehension 
of duty to attend the Yearly Meeting of Phi- 
ladelphia, it being an awful season, through 
the prevalence of an infectious and mortal fe- 
ver there. It was thought he took the dis- 
ease^ as he became ill not long after his return, 
and remained about six days under great bo- 
dily, sickness, much preserved in calmness 
and quietude, and departed this life on the 
16th day of the Tenth-month, 1798; aged 
about 53 years. 



106 



Testimony of Salem Monthly Meeting con- 
cerning Ebenezer Miller. 

THIS, our beloved friend, was born of 
religiously inclined parents, of the Indepen- 
dent profession. He was, in his minority, 
with his father, received into membership 
with Friends ; and by submitting to the cross 
of Christ, and continuing faithful to what he 
believed to be his duty, a dispensation of the 
gospel ministry was committed to him, and 
being faithful thereto, witnessed a growth 
therein. 

About the year 1770 he removed from 
Greenwich, and settled within the limits 
of Salem particular meeting : his diligent at- 
tendance of religious meetings, humble wait- 
ing therein, together with his gospel labours, 
were truly exemplary and profitable. He was 
a diffident man, remarkably favoured with 
the clothing of a meek and quiet spirit; a 
nursing father to the religiously exercised 
travailer ; an affectionate husband and parent; 
a kind friend and neighbour. 

In the latter part of his life, he suffered 
much bodily infirmity, and was for several 
months generally confined to his room ; dur- 



107 

ing which he manifested much quietness of 
mind, and submission to the divine will ; ex- 
pressing to some who visited him, that his 
love for Friends, and desire for their prospe- 
rity, was as great during his bodily weakness 
as at any period of his life. In his retired 
hours, he was frequently in a state of mourn- 
ing, expresshig that the low and declining 
st^te of many Friends from that lively exer- 
cise of mind arising from sincere devotion to 
serve the Lord, was cause of deep sorrow to 
him ; and that it was sealed to his understand- 
ing, that truth and righteousness would have 
shined with much greater brightness, had it 
not been for the captivating influence of the 
love of this world, and the alluring prospects 
thereof; from a sense of which, he was fre- 
quently observed fervently engaged in suppli- 
cation to the Lord, that he would be pleased 
more and more to wean the minds of Friends 
from the things of this world, and gather them 
to the true fold of rest. 

A few days before his decease, he said, 
for some time past he had felt an earnest de- 
sire that Friends of the neighbourhood should 
sit with him, at his house, on the afternoon 
of First-day; in which meeting he was ena« 



108 

bled, in a tender affectionate manner, to bear 
a lively testimony ; encoliraging Friends to 
faithfulness in their several stations, expres- 
sing his unshaken belief in the all-sufficiency 
of that Power which had hitherto sustained 
him, and that he ^' had not followed cunning- 
ly devised fables,'' but had the evidence of a 
well-grounded hope of an admission ** into 
the joys of his Lord.'' 

On being helped to bed^ he expressed his 
sense that his time would be short, and that 
he had great satisfaction in the present oppor- 
tunity. A day or two after, he said he felt 
quite easy, and believed he was excused from 
further labour ; adding, that his mind was 
m.uch centred in a desire for an easy and qui- 
et release from the body ; which was merci- 
fully granted to him on the 11th day of the 
Seventh- month, 1800, aged 75 years*--a min- 
ister about 35. 



Testimony of the Western Quarterly Meeting 
concerning Abraham Gibbons. 

IT remains with us an incumbent duty 
to give some memorial concerning this our 
bclov^ friend, late a member of Sadsbury 



109 

Monthly Meeting in Lancaster county, and 
of this Quarterly Meeting, who, though dead, 
his pious example and faithful labours yet 
speak. 

He was a man endovred with a good nat- 
ural understanding, which, by a humble sub-^ 
mission to the sanctifying power of Truths 
qualified him to become an useful Elder in the 
church ; which station he filled several years, 
until a dispensation of Gospel ministry was 
committed to him ; in the exercise whereof^ he 
approved himself a faithful testimony-bearer 
for the Prince of Peace, His ministry was 
sound and convincing, and often did distil as 
the dew upon the mourners and tender plants 
in the heritage of God, being much devoted 
to the work whereunto he w^as called. 

In the time of the late commotion in this 
Land, he evinced the soundness of his faith, 
by patiently enduring, divers times, the spoil- 
ing of his goods^ on account of his testimony 
against w^ar and bloodshed ; he w^as also much 
engaged to strengthen the hands and confirm 
the faith of those who were ready to faint in 
their minds, and was often led to expostulate 
w^ith the rulers and men in p5wer, in that 

K 



110 

day of close trial, so as mostly to gain their 
assent to the truth of his testimony. 

With such as were under sufferings for the 
testimony of a good conscience^ he was a 
tender and sympathizing friend; and often 
visited those in prison, to their comfort and 
refreshment : thus he laboured, and endured 
hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, 
and approved himself a pillar in the Lord's 
house-^an Elder, worthy of double honour^ 
In the discipline of the church he was exten- 
sively useful. The closing part of his piU 
grimage here on earth was conformable to 
his many acts of dedication, clearly evincing 
that he held not his life in competition with 
his duty to his great Lord and Master. 

In the Ninth-month, in the year 1798, an 
awful mortality prevailed in the city of Phila- 
delphia, at the season of holding our Annual 
Meeting; he weightily pondered the subject; 
and, as he expressed, the result was, it was 
better to go, and retain his peace, if he should 
die, than stay at home and lose it, if he should 
live sornetime longer ; for if he lost his peace, 
he saw nothing in this world worth living 
for. He attended the meeting ; and shortly 
after his return home, the symptoms of the 



Ill 

disorder appeared; under which he expressed, 
his resignation to the divine Will, and in the 
solemn conflict was mercifully sustained in 
much meekness and patience ; and, after a- 
, bout five days illness, departed this life, aged 
57 years— a minister about 14 years. 



Testimony of the Monthly Meeting of Fhi- 
ladelphia^ for the Southern District^ held 
the 26th of the First- Month 1803, respect * 
ing Sarah Stephenson. 

WE are engaged to give a short account 
of our beloved deceased friend Sarah Stephen- 
son; who, with the concurrence and unity 
of the Monthly Meeting of Wiltshire, the 
Quarterly Meeting of Gloucestershire and 
Wiltshire, and the Yearly Meeting of Minis- 
ters and Elders in London, embarked on a 
religious visit to Friends in North America. 
She arrived at New York in the Eighth- 
month 1801, and, although frequently under 
bodily indisposition, engaged in a family vi- 
sit to Friends of that city, which we under- 
stand she was enabled to perform much to 
their satisfaction. , After this service, feeling 
her mind drawn towards Philadelphia, she^ 



112 

with her beloved companion Mary Jefferis, 
came to this city on the 9th of the Second- 
month last, much indisposed ; she was, ne- 
vertheless, enabled to attend divers of our 
meetings, in which she was engaged in the 
exercise of her gift, to edification and com- 
fort. After some time, she opened a pros- 
pect of visiting the families of Friends of this 
meeting, which was cordially united with : 
she had not proceeded far in this service, be- 
fore her indisposition increased so as to con- 
fine her to her chamber. During her illness, 
some account was taken of divers lively ex- 
pressions, which may afford encouragement 
and benefit to survivors, viz. — She said to a 
friend, " I am now in my 64th year ; thirty 
of which I have been closely engaged in en- 
deavouring to fulfil my little mission — If I 
had but one talent, as I have endeavoured to 
improve it, I hope I shall be accepted.'* 
The friend remarked, that her bed had been 
made in sickness : ^^ yes (said she) wonder- 
fully so,'^ Being asked how she felt herself 
respecting her recovery ; she answered, '' I 
have no prospect of it : I believe I l>ave 
finished the work." And at another time — 
*^ There is nothing in my way but my dear 



113 

child," meaning her companion: then, ad- 
dressing herself to her, added, '^ but, my 
dear, thou had nothing else to expect when 
we left home :" then said as a consideration 
that comforted her, ^' It is a favour I shall 
leave her amongst friends who will extend 
their tender care." Upon its being proposed 
she should take something, she said, '^ my 
friends propose things which I sometimes 
comply with, but it seems precious to look 
towards a release." After a time of stillness, 
she said to her companion, " Oh ! my dear, 
I have been sweetly comforted in my good 
Master's presence." She frequently acknow- 
ledged the kindness of her friends, and ex- 
pressed her desires that the Lord would 
reward them, and often mentioned how qui- 
et she felt. 

At another time she said, '* It gives me no 
pleasure when any one speaks of my recove- 
ry being likely ; 1 have a humble hope it 
would be well, if it pleased my good Master 
to take me now ; and if I stay longer, it can- 
not be better — I have no desire for continu- 
ance here." 

The last day^ 26th of the Fourth-month, ear- 

K2 



114 

ly in the morning, the conflict of nature increas- 
ing, she said, in a patient disposition, "This is 
wearing work :'' after a coughing fit, being 
much exhausted, " It will be well, let it be 
which way it may ; and that is better than all the 
world. It seems as if it must be nearly over 
now, i have so little strength left ;" then 
making a little pause, seemed to be uttering 
praises — "How good! How good!'' After 
a while she said, " I cannot say much, but 
my King reigns." Soon after which^ she 
quietly departed this life, in a full assurance 
of a happy change ; leaving a sweet memorial 
in the minds of many of those who had op- 
portunities of observing her humble deport- 
ment and instructive conversation. 

: Her body, after a season of solemnity, was 
interred, on the 29th day of the Fourth- 
month, 1802. 



^in account o/*John Coope, Jun. son ofDa- 
vidy late of We^t Nottingham ^ Chester 
County. 

IN his last sickness, his mind became 
more impressed with serious thoughts con- 
cerning death and a future state, which he 



115 

confessed he had not been enough mindful of 
in time of health ; saying, he had anxiously 
attended to his outward business, wiih an 
eager desire to gain a portion of worldly trea- 
sure, being thereby diverted from a suitable 
concern to lay up treasure in heaven : he saw 
he had been greatly deficient in his younger 
days, trifling away much time which ought to 
have been better spent, and not enough ob- 
serving a sober conduct and conversation. 

At divers times he hinted, he had to view 
things now in a different light from what he 
had done, and told one of his uncles, he clear- 
ly saw the danger and folly there is in men 
suffering their affections to be placed on things 
belov/ ; believing himself to have been a sin- 
ful creature, not living enough in the fear of 
the Lord ; yet had supposed himself as one 
w^ho lived in a middling way, but now saw it 
was a desperate state. " I was very heedless 
for a time, and distant from the knowledge 
of pure religion, and its gradual operation on 
the soul ; and though of late I have experi- 
enced the great mercy and condescension of 
the Lord, reducing me to tenderness of heart, 
being helped sincerely to ask forgiveness for 
my transgressions, and since to feel much of 



116 

the enjoyment of heavenly love, with good 
will to all people, and a prospect of peace, if 
my life should soon be closed; yet I think it 
best for me to be modest and sparing if I speak 
of conversion ; I believe I ought rather to be 
humbly thankful in secret for the favour re- 
ceived, than to be too freely telling of it to 
my fellow creatures." 

To divers who visited him, he appeared to 
be in a sensible frame of mind, not desiring 
to live, but full of love and good desires for 
all people. To a friend who went to see him, 
he mentioned nearly as follows — '* One First- 
day, about three months ago, my parents go- 
ing to meeting, (he being unwell) it came in 
my mind to rise from my bed, go sit by the 
fire, and try to hold meeting by myself; after 
sitting near an hour with my mind retired in 
stillness, I was suddenly overcome by a Di- 
vine visitation, which was very wonderful, far 
exceeding any thing I had ever been sensible 
of before. I then experienced such an income 
of joy and heavenly comfort that I have not 
words to describe, with a clear prospect that 
my Saviour's arms are open to receive me ; 
the sting of death was taken away, all around 
me appearing to be marvellous light and love. 



117 

Many times since, as I have lain in my bed, 
in a weak condition, I have also vi^itnessed 
heavenly Goodness richly to comfort and sup- 
port me, an unworthy creature. I have felt a 
mournful concern on account of those who are 
deluded by deistical notions, denying our 
Lord and Saviour.'^' 

He continued sensible for the most part, till 
the last hour ; and before he departed, took 
an affecting leave of his parents, brothers, and 
sisters ; speaking suitably to his father, and 
with proper advice to each of the others, one 
by one, continuing meek and resigned. A 
few minutes before he departed, he requested 
his father to join him in prayer that Jesus 
would graciously come and release him. 
Thus he apparently made a happy conclu- 
sion the 19th of the First-month 1803, be- 
ing about 24 years of age. 



Some account of Samuel Brown, son of 
David and Hannah Brown. 

IN his illness, which he bore with much 
patience and quietude, he appeared to be un- 
der deep exercise and thoughtfulness of mind. 
The two last weeks of his time, though un- 



118 

<Jer affliction and great weakness^ he uttered 
many lively and sensible expressions, some 
of which are here collected. 

Some time after he was taken sick, he said 
to a young Friend, " I thought since I lay 
here^ health was a fine thing to enjoy^ but 
when in healthy we are apt to think too little 
about it**' At another time said, '' Oh that 
young people would stay at home First-day 
afternoons, and wait upon the Lord, and read 
good books ; how much better they would 
feel when they come to lie down to rest; hav- 
ing spent the day well, they would feel sweet 
peace, but when it is otherwise, condemna- 
tion. I know something of it by experience : 
Oh that all would take warning, for none 
knows how soon he may be brought to a sick 
bed as I am ; and then not to have peace of 
mind would be very trying; but I feel thank- 
ful that I staid at home, though it seemed a 
little against my inclination, but it was soon 
made easier to me than I could think." — At 
another time said, '' The Lord hath been 
good to me, though I have not always done j 
as I ought; yet it seems as if it was not now 
remembered, but all done away." 

One morning, lying still a considerable 



119 

time^ when he stirred, his mother saying she 
thought he had been asleep, he replied, ^^ Sleep 
has been far from me, but I seemed afraid e- 
ven to stir a finger ; for there is a work to be 
done in silence: I wish all could see as I now 
see." 

At another time he prayed to the Almighty 
that he would take him to himself, where he 
should feel no pain nor sorrow, but peace and 
joy. His mother saying, art thou willing to 
leave us all? he replied, ^*I love father and 
mother, and every body, but I hope to meet 
you all in a better place : I have no desire to 
live ; I see nothing in this world worth living 
for,'' One of his little brothers reading in a 
book called Piety promoted, he desired him 
to mind what he read, saying, it was the first 
that gave hini to feel the sense of the Lord'$ 
dealings with his people. 

At another time being under pain and dis-- 
tress, his mother said, " I wish thee not to 
think hard that thou art thus afflicted. '^ He 
said, *^No, no, I take it as God's mercies, for 
he has favoured me with my senses, and hath 
enabled me to bear it patiently, and I love 
him above alL^' 



120 

The evening before he died, he said, '^ 0\x^ 
dear mother 1 how careful thou art of me, I 
wish thee not to desire my stay here, for I 
am coming to the years wherein many things 
may fall in my way, that might be a sore 
trouble to thee, and the cause of myself be- 
ing unhappy forever; but if I die now, there 
is a place prepared for me amongst the righ- 
teous." 

The day he died, when in much pain, he 
said, '' 0\ lieavenly Father, I humbly be- 
seech thee, if it be thy holy will, grant me 
a short and easy passage out of this world." 
A little before his decease, he said, " It is 
better to be poor and good, than rich and 
wicked" — and shortly after quietly departed, 
like one falling into an easy sleep, on the 3d 
day of the Tenth-month 1803, aged eighteen 
vears and a few months. 



Testimony of the Monthly Mteting of Phi- 
ladelphia for the Northern District^ con- 
cerning William Savery. 

IT appears that he was born in the city 
of Philadelphia in the year 1750, and educa- 
ted in the principles of the Christian religion, 



121 

as professed by us ; and was placed with a 
Friend in the country, to learn the trade of a 
tannen On his return to the city in 1771, 
being naturally of a lively and social disposi- 
tion, he soon joined with those who, being 
themselves the votaries of folly and vanity, 
encouraged him in a departure from the sim- 
plicity of Truth J which, aided by his own 
propensities, drew him into many deviations 
from the religious principles of his educa- 
tion : In this situation he was arrested by the 
powerfully convictive evidence of the Spirit 
of Truth ; and in the year 1778, at a meet- 
ing held at Merion after an interment, he 
was much affected, and lasting impressions 
were made on his mind by that solemn scene, 
^nd the testimonies then delivered. 

In the autumn of that year, he married in 
Chester county, and settled within the limits 
of our Monthly Meeting, spent much of his 
time in retirement at home, and in the SOth 
year of his age, first opened his mouth in a 
public testimony ; and dwelling inward with 
those gifts and qualifications with which he 
Was favoured, he became an able advocate 
for the cause in which he had embarked; and 

L 



122 

by his faithful attention thereto, his labours 
were blessed, to the benefit of numbers, espe- 
cially amongst the youth, to many of whom 
he was an eminent instrument of good. 

He was engaged to travel much on this 
Continent in the service of Truth, being se- 
veral months in each year, from 1789 to 1795 
inclusive, absent from home on the gospel 
errand ; and by accounts received, his labours 
of love were to the satisfaction of those among 
whom his lot was cast. 

Having had his mind drawn into near sym- 
pathy with the Friends at Pyrmont in Ger- 
many--— with the entire unity of his brethren 
at home, he, on the 18th of the Fifth-month 
1796, embarked for Liverpool, and thence 
soon proceeded to London, and then to Pyr- 
mont. After paying an acceptable visit^ to 
the comfort and strengthening of Friends 
there^ and in some other parts of Germany, 
he went to Nismes in the South of France, 
visiting a small company of such as professed 
with us^ in that neighbourhood, much to his 
own comfort and peace. — Then returning to 
England, he visited many of the principal 
towns and places in that nation, Ireland, and 
Scotland, and had large public meetings with 



123 

those not of our Society. Having thus dis- 
charged his reh'gious duty in those parts, he 
returned to his family and friends in the 
Tenth-month 1798. 

He laboured diligently in his temporal bu- 
siness for the support of his family, as well 
as for the relief of the poor and distressed, 
to whose wants his Uberal mind was ever rea- 
dy to administer according to his ability ; yet 
this did not interrupt his steady attention to 
religious duties, being diligent in the attend- 
ance of meetings, and in various other ser- 
vices to which he was called and appointed, 
for the benefit of society and the promotion 
of the cause of Truth and righteousness. 

In 1802 the neighbourhood in which he 
lived was visited with a pestilential disease^ 
which carried many off in a short time : not 
being easy to leave this scene of woe and mi- 
sery, he voluntarily resigned himself to visit 
those in distress, both Friends and others^ 
with advice and counsel, in the love of the 
gospel, to the great consolation and comfort 
of many. And a like aiHiction befalling that 
and other parts of the city and neighbourhood, 
in the following year, he was engaged in the 
same manner, freely devoting himself, both 



124 

night and day, to relieve the distresses of o- 
thers^ with which his own feehng mind was 
deeply affected. 

In the early part of his sickness he was 
borne up above complaining, or admitting that 
he was much out of health, until the disease^ 
which proved a dropsy, had made such pro- 
gress^ that it was visible to his friends ; yet 
he continued to attend to his outward con- 
cerns and religious duties; and in some of the 
meetings which he last attended, was led to o- 
pen a prospect that his time here would not be 
long; but, in an animating view of a blessed 
immortality, signified it was no matter how 
short, provided this were attained. 

He was remarkable for punctuality and up- 
rightness in his dealings ; and not long before 
liis decease, said to a friend who often visited 
him, '^ It is necessary to look to our outward 
concerns, there are so many reproachful fail- 
ures;" and appeared desirous once more to 
get to meeting, that he might have an oppor- 
tunity to warn such of the elderly part of So- 
ciety who had got into the earth, and of the 
youth who had got into the air. ^' I thought," 
said he, ^' I was once strong for the work, 
but now I am a child brought back to my 



125 

hornbook, and have nothing to* trust to but 
the mercy of God through Christ my Savi* 
our." Thus reverently depending, he was 
preserved to the last in great resignation and 
composure of mind. He was mostly confin- 
ed from the 26th of the Third-month (except 
frequently riding out for the benefit of air and 
exercise) till the ]8th day of the Sixth-month, 
1804^ in the evening of which he was con- 
siderably worse, continued ill through the 
night, and on the 19th, in the morning about 
six o'clock, closed his useful life in the 54th 
year of his age. On the fallowing day, his 
corpse, attended by a great number of his 
friends and neighbours, was interred in 
Friends' burial ground in this city. 



Testimony of the Monthly Meeting of Hard* 
wick and Mendham^ held at Mendham the 
1th day of the Second-month 1805, con- 
cerning Richard Dell. 

HE was born the 16th day of the Tenth- 
month 1726, and from his youth was much 
inclined to seriousness ; and being early ac- 
quainted with the teachings of divine grace, 

L2 



126 

and measurably attending thereto, he became 
exemplary in his conduct and conversation. 

In the year 1760 he settled within the li- 
mits of Mendham particular meeting, and 
became a serviceable member thereof. He 
was called to the work of the ministry about 
the 37th year of his age, and being faithful 
thereto, he experienced a growth therein, and 
became an able minister of the gospel, being 
sound in doctrine, reaching the witness in 
many minds. He was a diligent attender of 
our religious meetings, and a good example 
of humble waiting therein ; careful not to 
move in the exercise of his gift without a re- 
newed qualification. 

He was an affectionate husband, a tender 
father, a kind sympathizing friend, and very 
useful in his neighbourhood in composing 
differences; being zealously concerned for the 
honour and promotion of Truth ; the influence 
whereof frequently engaged him in the weigh- 
ty service of visiting families, both within 
the verge of our own and the adjacent Month- 
ly Meetings, we believe to the satisfaction 
of those he visited and the peace of his own 
mind. 

His last visit was to some meetings and fa- 



127 

inilies in West Jersey^ which he performed 
to his own satisfaction a few months before 
his last illness, which, though attended with 
great bodily pain, he was enabled to bear with 
remarkable patience and resignation to the 
divine Will; saying to one who visited him, 
he was waiting for his change — to another, 
that he had no desire of recovery, but hoped 
he might be preserved in patience. He seve- 
ral times imparted very w^eighty covmsel and 
advice to those about him, and departed this 
life the Sd day of the Eighth-month 1804, 
aged near 78, a minister upwards of 40 years ; 
and we doubt not but that he hath the frui- 
tion of that glory and happiness prepared for 
the righteous. 



Testimony from London Grove Monthly 
Meetings in Chester county ^ Pennsylvania^ 
concerning Joshua Pusey, who departed 
this life the I6th of Third-month 1804, 
aged 65 years. 

HE was from his youth an example in 
piety and virtue, was early appointed an elder, 
and to divers other important stations in the 
church. We believe he was deeply concern- 



128 

ed to answer the end of his appointments, for 
the cause of Truth and good of society. He 
diligently attended our religious meetings, 
and maintained an exemplary deportment 
therein; was a lover of peace both in the 
church and neighbourhood, carefully doing 
to others as he would they should do to him ; 
which so corresponded with his^admonitions 
and advice, that it had great weight and in- 
fluence; was also concerned tliat his family 
might live in peace and love after his de- 
cease. 

Soon after he was taken ill in his last sick- 
ness, he said, '^ I have no prospect of con- 
tinuing much longer with you, my dear wife 
and children, yet it is with gratitude I ac- 
knowledge the favour of having been permit- 
ted to remain thus long.'' To three of his 
children he said, '* Be exceedingly careful 
that your characters become not spotted with 
spots and blemishes — live in the fear of the 
Lord, it is clean and endureth forever : it is 
the beginning of wisdorn ; it is a fountain of 
life, which preserves from the snares of 
death." Speaking of Deists, he said, *^ There 
is one thing with which I believe they are 
unacquainted, viz. the love of God shed a- 



129 

broad in the heart, which surpasseth the un- 
derstanding of men,'' 

After a severe time in his disorder, he said 
to a neighbour, '' I thought my close near, 
but saw nothing in my way; I feel that peace 
which the world cannot give nor take away ; 
the love of God shed abroad in my heart.-' 
At another time he said to a friend, ^' I am 
here, and favoured with my senses; I have not 
done much for the Truth, but have been on 
Truth's side, for which 1 feel peace; and be- 
lieve, through the adorable mercy of God, I 
shall be admitted within the gate." 

The day before his decease, he was awful- 
ly exercised in supplication to the Almighty 
for the blessing of preservation to descend 
upon all, and that patience might be granted 

him to bear his afflictions: a difficulty of 

•A 

breathing increasing, nearly the last words 
that were intelligible, were, ** Thine is the 
kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever 
and for evermore"- — So closed his time here 
with a sweet savour. 



130 



Testimony of the Monthly Meeting of Phi- 
ladelphia for the Xorthern District^ con- 
cerning John Parrish. 

HE was born in Maryland in the year 
1730, on his father's farm, adjacent to the 
spot whereon the city of Baltimore now 
stands. Being left an orphan, he was placed 
to learn a trade in Philadelphia, and served 
his apprenticeship with reputation. Soon after 
arriving at man's estate, he became, under the 
influence of a divine visitation, more than u- 
sually exercised in concern for the welfare of 
his immortal part; and was for a considerable 
time, under very great depression of mind; in 
which season of close probation he was mer- 
cifully preserved from sinking inta despond- 
ency, and at length, through deep humiliation 
and abasement, witnessing this to be a dis- 
pensation permitted for his refinement, was 
graciously relieved from his low, afflicted 
state, raised to sing of the mercies of God on 
the banks of deliverance, and was recom- 
mended as a minister in the Tenth-month, 
1777. 

In the year 1773 he accompanied our friend 
Zebulon Heston on a religious visit to the- 



131 

Delaware Indians, residing westward of Penn- 
sylvania; the performance of which appre- 
hended duty yielded peace to his own mind, 
and it appears was very acceptable to them. 
The desire for their religious improvement, 
and to render the situation of the Indian na- 
tives of our country more comfortable, by 
drawing them olF from their usual precarious 
mode of living by hunting, and encouraging 
them to habits of industry and the cultivation 
of their lands, was a subject which engaged 
a considerable portion of his attention ; and 
from having been much amongst them in se- 
veral visits to their settlements, becoming 
well acquainted with their habits and manners, 
he was very useful in endeavouring to for- 
ward their civil and religious improvement. 
Another striking trait of the benevolence of 
his character, was his early and steady attach' 
ment to the cause of the injured black peo- 
ple. Having in younger life had an opportu- 
nity of witnessing some scenes of degradation 
and grievous suffering incident to their en^ 
slaved state, he soon became a zealous and 
useful advocate for their emancipation ; and 
in addition to his persevering private labours 
for their benefit, was frequently induced, un^ 



132 

der a clear sense of religious duty, personally 
to appear before legislative assemblies on their 
behalf. 

In the year 1784, accompanied by James 
Cresson, he performed a visit in Gospel love 
to the inhabitants of the island of Barbadoes, 
where they continued about eight weeks, and 
on their return he said, their labour was to 
satisfaction and comfort ; and thankfully ac- 
knowledged that divine help and protection 
were graciously vouchsafed through the ar- 
duous undertaking. 

He travelled, in Truth^s service, in several 
of the governments on this continent, wherein 
his labours of love were edifying and accept- 
able. He was naturally of a cheerful disposi- 
tion, and became through the aid of divine 
grace, remarkable for resignation and patience 
under trials, of which he had many; and hav- 
ing himself suffered affliction, was frequently 
a comfortable visitor to those who were in 
distress, and a true sympathizer in the afflic- 
tions of others. His public testimonies were 
mostly short, and delivered in much broken- 
ness, yet his ministry was clear, sound, and 
edifying. His concern was great on account 
of the rising generation, often encouraging 



133 

them to come taste and see for themselves 
that the Lord is good, and to enter in the 
prime of their days into his service ; testifying 
from his own experience^ that they would 
never have cause to repent serving so good a 
master. 

In the Tenth-month 1807, with the appro- 
bation of our monthly meeting, he attended 
the Yearly Meeting at Baltimore, and after it 
was over^ was religiously engaged on the 16th 
to visit the prisoners in the jail of that place. 
In the evening of the same day, at the house 
of a friend, he was suddenly seized with a pa- 
ralytic affection, under the effect of which he 
continued, without much appearance of bo- 
dily suffering, though incapable of expression, 
until the evening of the 21st, when he was 
released from this state of trial and probation; 
and we doubt not is gathered into the fold of 
rest and peace— aged near 78 — a minister a- 
bout 30 vears^ 



M 



134 



Testimony of New Garden Monthly Meeting 
concerning Dinah Lamborn. 

AFTER her marriage, which was about 
the 18th year of her age, she settled with her 
husband at London Grove^ and became a 
member of this Monthly Meeting. It appears 
from some of her memorandums^ that in earl)'* 
life her mind was often turned to pray for and 
seek after an inheritance in the Truth; and 
being but a child that had need of instruction, 
she greatly esteemed the company and con- 
versation of those whom she appi:ehended 
were further advanced in religious experience; 
and hath since at times expressed, with a 
sense of gratitude, the lively remembrance 
she retained of the merciful extendings of Di- 
vine regard towards her in those youthful 
days ; and of the fatherly and motherly care 
of divers friends. 

After many refining baptisms, she came 
forth, about the 35th year of her age, with an 
acceptable acknowledgment to the goodness 
and mercy of that arm of power which had 
been revealed for her help ; to the efficacy 
whereof she was many times qualified to bear 
a sweet and consoling testimony amongst us, 



135 

and in parts adjacent, as also in some of the 
neighbouring governments; performing some 
of those visits under great bodily infirmities, 
divers of her joints being drawn out of plac€ 
by the force of rheumatic pains. 

Her concern for the rising generation was 
great, frequently calling upon them in public 
testimony, with inviting language, to come 
and partake freely of that Fountain which 
would heal them of their maladies ; often ma- 
nifesting a desire to have them in her com- 
pany. For those of her own family, her 
prayers and tears were often poured out, that 
they might not only be the called, but the 
chosen of the Lord. She was careful not to 
reprove in a light or hasty manner, but to seek 
for a quiet and retired opportunity; speaking in 
mild terms, and endeavouring so to reach the 
divine witness, that they could not gainsay ; 
whereby we believe she was made a blessing 
to some both in her own family and neighbour- 
hood. 

In the time of the revolutionary war, it was 
the lot of the family to meet with much strip- 
ping for military demands, wherein she bore 
her testimony with firmness, saying ''Let us 
trust in the Lord.'' She much prized the 



136 

unity of the brethren and sisters ; and know- 
ing the comfort and advantage thereof^ was 
guarded against indulging a disposition to 
speak disrespectfully ; and sonaetimes men- 
tioned, in substance, that upon hearing of re- 
flections being cast upon her, she had at times 
been favoured to believe a higher and better 
ground was attainable than that of reflecting 
again ; that it had appeared safer first to exa- 
mine her own conduct, and endeavour to mend 
where she found it to be remiss ; that under 
those exercises, her mind had been animated 
with desire, that she might be favoured to 
labour more earnestly to obtain a portion of 
that good part, which the world can neither 
give nor take away. She manifested much 
desire, even under great bodily infirmities, to 
attend religious meetings, and to promote the 
attendance of her family ; and was exempla- 
iy in her deportment in them : in those for 
discipline she was eminently useful, being' 
endued with a spirit of clear discerning and 
sound judgment ; though often drawn into 
sympathy for those, who through inadvertence 
had gone astray. Thus from small begin- 
nings, in much simplicity, she was raised up 
to become a nursing mother in the church* 



137 

About eight years before her decease, she 
became so enfeebled as not to be able to walk 
or stand alone^ neither to follow any busi- 
ness with her hands for most of that time; 
under which humbling dispensation (although 
her affliction was often great) she was so di- 
vinely supported, as to manifest patience and 
resignation, which proved very edifying and 
aftecting to many who visited her ; being en- 
abled to speak to their conditions in a lively 
manner, imparting much excellent counsel. 
Her conversation was instructive, mostly ap- 
pearing cheerful, and remarking at times, 
from a sense of gratitude, the many favours 
she yet enjoyed ; amongst which she esteem- 
ed the holy Scriptures as a peculiar blessing, 
frequently reading and meditating therein; arid 
was concerned to promote a similar disposi- 
tion and practice in others, apprehending she 
had been favoured to draw much consolation 
therefrom, in this time of her deep proving; 
all which was as a lively seal to the efficacy of 
that blessed truth to which sliie had borne tes- 
timony in more active life. 

About two weeks before her decease, she 
was taken with a chill and fever ; and some 

M 2 



158 

days after, being favoured with the overflow- 
ings of divine love, expressed thus, " I hope 
to be favoured with patience to wait until my 
change come," saying, *'my end will be 
peace : the Lord hath plucked my feet out of 
the mire and clay, and set them upon a rock 
that is higher than I, and hath put a new 
song into my mouthy even praises for ever - 
more/' In the evening of the 15th of the 
Fourth-month 1807, she quietly departed, as 
one going into an easy sleep, in the 63d year 
of her age ; and her memory remains preci- 
ous, having through faith obtained a good re- 
port. 



J[ Memorial of Chester Monthly Meeting 
concerning Eli Yarnall. 

OUR beloved friend became, in early 
life, acquainted with the voice of the true 
Shepherd, inwardly revealed ; and by im- 
proving under the divine visitations, gracious- 
ly aftbrded from time to time, he grew in 
godliness. About the 27th year of his age, 
he appeared in the ministry, and afterwards 
performed several journies in the service of 
the gospel to the edification of the church, in 



139 

some of the neighbouring States, For many 
years of the latter part of his life, his public 
service was mostly confined withm the limits 
of our Quarterly Meeting, yet his growth 
from stature to stature in religious experience, 
was apparent ; until he became a truly valued 
father in the church, and an able minister of 
the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

His appearances in the ministry were, of 
latter years, not very frequent ; being a good 
example in humble waiting until he felt the 
renewal of that ability in which alone he 
could minister, to his own peace and the health 
of the church. In those frequent seasons of 
waiting in our meetings to attain to a state of 
solemn silence before the great Head of the 
Church, a reverent awfulness was frequently 
visible in his countenance ; and under a feel- 
ing sense of his own frailty as a dependent 
creature, and of the evidences of divine love, 
from time to time renewed, tears of humilia- 
tion and gratitude were often seen to flow 
from him. 

In the concerns relating to the affairs of our 
religious Society, his various services were 
rendered in a manner becoming a cheerfully 
dedicated servant. In his intercourse with. 



140 

men, and in his deportment before his family, 
he showed an example of circumspection and 
meekness. 

In the forepart of the Seventh-month 1812, 
he became indisposed of a fever ; in the early- 
part whereof, he appeared to have some sense 
of his end approaching. His disease was^ 
after a time, attended with symptoms of a 
very afflicting kind, under which he suffered 
great pain. In the beginning of the Eighth- 
month, to a friend who visited him^ he ex- 
pressed thus : ^' My dear friend^ I believe I 
am going the way of all flesh. My pain is 
often very great, but my mind, under the 
prospect of approaching dissolution, enjoys 
entire resignation. Indeed, the quietude and 
peaceful serenity with which I have, from 
day to day, since my confinement, been fa- 
voured, even when under excruciating pain, 
is cause of much thankfulness and admira- 
tion." 

On the 6th, being much relieved, his 
wife and childrdi with two other relations 
being present, after a short time of silence, 
he appeared in fervent supplication, be- 
seeching the Almighty who had been with 
him from his youth, to sustain and support 



141 

him to the end^ and not to suffer him to 
fall into temptation. Afterwards address- 
ing his two sons, he reminded them of the 
many precious visitations which had been 
dispensed both immediately and instrument- 
ally ; adding, that he craved their encourage- 
ment to obedience ; that by making the Lord 
their friend, they might witness him to be 
their strength and support through life. Short- 
ly afterwards, he broke forth in praises and 
thanksgiving to the God and Father of mer- 
cies for the blessed assurance which he then 
felt of his lovC;, and of his peace being made 
with him. After a short silence, he again 
broke forth in these words : *' Glory to God 
in the highest ; on earth peace ; good will to 
men;" adding, ^' often before now I have 
been made sensible of the universahty of the 
love of our heavenly Father, and now I feel 
it to flow towards all men." Then repeating 
the text, he exclaimed — " O ! what a won- 
derful display of the unspeakable love of God 
to his creature man." Sometime after, he 
said, '' If I die now, give my dear love to 
all my friends, and tell them I die in peace 
and unity with all faithful Friends." 



142 

On the 14th, an observation being fnade 
implying the possibility of his recovery, he 
said, " My dependence is on the Lord Al- 
mighty, whose blessed will be done — though 
I may be taken, I can say in truth, come 
Lord;, thy servant is ready. I have not now 
to suffer the pangs of guilt." 

On the 16th, after some solid observations 
on his situation, he signified that his mind 
was at peace with God and with all men, and 
said, ^' The sting of death is sin, and that is 
taken away." 

. Many other expressions were uttered du- 
ring his sickness, tending to show his quiet, 
humble resignation to the will of his heavenly 
Father, either to live or to die, and his great 
desire that his friends and connections would 
give him up freely to divine disposal. 

His patience under suffering was remark- 
able, and his love to his friends appeared to 
be unbounded. 

Being much relieved in the latter part of 
his time from severe pain, he was often con- 
cerned to render the tribute of gratitude and 
thankfulness to the Author of every blessing, 
for thus graciously interposing on his behalf; 
and throughout his confinement, it was never 



143 

discoverable that he was suffered for a mo- 
ment to lose his confidence in the all-sustain- 
ing arm of divine help, nor to doubt of his 
acceptance v^ith his Lord and Master. 

He quietly departed this life on the 25th 
day of the Eighth-month, 1812, in the morn- 
ing, in the 60th year of his age. 



Testimony ^from the Falls Monthly Meeting 
in Bucks County^ Pennsylvania^ concerning 
John Simpson. 

IT appears he was bom the 23d day of 
the Tenth. month 1739, of parents in mem- 
bership with Friends, who removed (when he 
was an infant) and settled in the verge of 
Buckingham monthly meeting in this county; 
and being naturally of a quick and lively dis- 
position, he often indulged himself in levity 
and mirth incident to unthinking youth; but 
sometime before he arrived to man's estate, 
a visitation of divine love was extended to 
his soul, whereby he was favoured to see sin 
to be exceeding sinful, and as he abode in 
humility, under the operation of the Spirit 
upon him, he was favoured to experience his 



144 

Qwn fallen nature in a good degree subjected, 
and a new birth brought forth. 

About the 26th year of his age^ he appeared 
in the ministry, and became an able minister 
of the gospel ; for the promulgation of which 
he was concerned to visit the meetings on this 
continent, and many of them several times, 
his life and conversation corresponding with 
the gospel. And^ as he knew from ex peri- 
ence that young people left to themselves often 
spend time unprofitably, especially on First- 
day afternoons, he was frequently engaged to 
sit down with his family in solid retirement ; 
at times had the Scriptures of Truth read 
therein, and that the benefit might become 
mcare general, was engaged to recommend the 
like practice to others. When differences or 
disunity arose within his knowledge, be was 
zealously engaged to endeavour to bring a- 
bout a settlement and reconciliation, for which 
service he was peculiarly gifted. 

Having removed to the State of Ohio in the 
year 1810^ and spent some time there in the 
service of Truth, his mind became easy to 
return, though in a weak state of health ; and 
proceeding on his journey as far as Waynes- 
ville, he departed this life the 30th day of the 



145 

Eighth-month, 1811, aged about 72 years. 
Some extracts from his writings during his 
sickness are hereto annexed, 

"Now having been above a month tried 
with sickness and weakness, some days and 
nights sharp pain as ever I experienced, but 
most surely I could say, that the Lord did 
make my bed in sickness, and heard my sup- 
plications that I was enabled to put up, that 
he would look down upon me. The joyful 
and peaceful state of mind I feel, and also 
sweet brotherly love among my friends, so 
that if I have now finished my day's work, let 
all my children, connexions, and friends se- 
cretly hope, that if I live or die I am the 
Lord's, 1 seldom or ever felt more desirous 
that Truth might prosper; but feel a heavy 
cloud over the church, as the apostle Paul 
rnxntions concerning the foolish Galatians. 
O, may every sensible Christian professor lay 
it closely to heart, and unite in supplication, 
that the prophecy of Zephaniah may come to 
pass: ''For then will I turn to the people a 
pure language, that they may all call upon the 
name of the Lord, to serve him widi one 

consent." 

N 



146 

The substance of some expressions that he 
desired might be taken down in writing, and 
spread among his friends, a few days before 
his death : — 

He said that the nearer he drew to the close 
of his Hfe, the plainer he saw^ and the clearer 
evidence he had; that a greater deception could 
not be practised upon mankind, than to per- 
suade them that they could be Christians 
without spiritual baptism; but it was his ar- 
dent desire for all, that they might not be de- 
ceived, but be willing to endure the baptism of 
Christ. Frequently repeating at other times, 
*' There is no other way, there is no other 
way.'' He further said, '' I feel like one that 
has done his day's work ; I have fought a 
good fight, and all is well— dust must return 
to dust." 



Testimony of the Monthly Meeting of Bur- 
lington concerning John Hoskins. 

HE was favoured in early life with a vi- 
sitation of divine love, and during his appren- 
ticeship his mind became impressed with an 
apprehension of duty to attend religious meet- 
jings held on those called week-days, in which 



147 

he met with various discouragements; but 
continuing faithful in bearing the cross, his 
concern to fulfil this important duty, as he ad- 
vanced in life, and was engaged in its active 
scenes for the support of an increasing family^ 
became more fervent and extensive; being 
often heard to say, while endeavouring to 
impress a sense of its importance on the minds 
of others, that religious meetings w^ere of lit- 
tie benefit to himself, if his tender ofFspring^ 
or the youth placed under his care, were ab- 
sent; thus evincing by example and precept^ 
a lively sense of the solemn obligation we are 
under to render worship in our public assem- 
blies to the author and dispenser of all our 
blessings. 

Continuing obedient to the dictates of the 
divine principle, he gradually experienced the 
propensities of nature regulated, the strong 
will of man subjected, and the lamb-like na- 
ture exalted: this was particularly conspicu- 
ous in the latter years of his life, wherein uni- 
versal love was much the clothing of his 
mind. 

During a long course of years he stood ac- 
ceptably in the station of an Elder, and was 
zealous in the support of our Christian testi- 



148 

monies ; manifesting a fervent concern, that 
no failure on the part of those who professed 
to bear them, might eclipse their lustre, and 
thereby prove an occasion of stumbling to 
seeking minds. 

His last illness continued about four days ; 
during which time, though he suffered much 
bodily pain^ he was preserved in patience, 
and his mind appeared to be sustained in 
humble confidence^ with reference to the ap- 
proaching solemn period; expressing to the 
physician who attended him, '^ I am wasting 
with this disorder, but it does not alarm me," 
or words to that import. At another time, to 
a near connection who enquired how he felt, 
after a pause he said, *' I feel nothing in my 
way; I feel love in my heart to all mankind.-' 
He further said, ^'I have nothing to depend 
upon but divine mercy. 

He quietly departed on the 27th day of the 
Third-month 1814, in the 87th year of his 
age. 



149 



Testimony of New Garden Monthly Meet- 
ing concerning Jacob Lindley. 

THIS our valuable friend was born in 
the Ninth-month, 1744. He was earlv in 
life a lover of religious enquiry^ being of an 
affable and communicative disposition^ not 
willingly giving, nor readily taking offence ; 
and as his natural endowments became sea- 
soned with divine grace, he w^as fitted to fill 
W'iih propriety the important station to which 
he was afterwards called. 

His first appearance in the ministry was 
about the thirtieth year of his age : his com- 
munications were lively and powerful, reach- 
ing the witness in the hearts of those to whom 
he ministered; and by keeping low and hum- 
ble, walking in fear, and in obedience to the 
manifestations of duty, he grew in his gift, 
and became an able minister of the gospel^ 
qualified to divide the word aright to the se- 
veral states of the people. Being well versed 
in the Scriptures, he was frequently enabled 
to open them with instructive clearness. In 
times of internal commotion and strife in our 
Country^ he was deeply concerned ; earnestly 

N2 



150 

cautioning Friends, especially the young men, 
to watch against the delusive spirit of war, in 
its various appearances, so desolating in its 
progress, and destructive to the human spe- 
cies; and we believe his labours herein were 
productive of salutary effects. 

He was one of those who bore a faithful 
testimony against the improper use of ardent 
spirits, at a time when the minds of Friends 
in general were less awakened to the magni- 
tude of the evil, than has since been the case. 
The descendants of the African race found 
in him a zealous advocate ; their wrongs and 
sufferings obtaining his tender sympathy. 

His travels in the exercise of his gift, ap- 
pear to have been to the acceptance and edi- 
fication of those among whom he came. 

We shall close this Testimony wdth a few 
remarks on the last day of his existence in 
mutability, awfully impressive of the neces- 
sity of having our accounts in readiness. He 
appeared in the meeting at New Garden, in 
a lively and affecting communication, deliv- 
ered with heart-tendering energy and clear- 
ness; in the course of which, he intimated an 
apprehension that there might be those pre- 
sent who would not see the light of another 



151 

day ; and added^ perhaps it might be himself. 
After meeting he appeared in his usual 
cheerful disposition; when, towards evening, 
by a fall from a chaise, he was suddenly de- 
prived of life. 

His decease was on the 12th of the Sixth- 
month, 1814; and on the 14th of the same, 
he was interred in Friends' burying ground 
at Ne\/ Garden, where a solemn meeting was 
held on the occasion. 



Testimony of the Monthly Meeting of Phi- 
ladelphia for the Northern District^ con^ 
cerning Thomas Scattergood. 

FROM the love we feel for the memory 
of this our dear friend, and the continued 
sense we have of his fervent pious engage- 
ments, it appears to be a duty to posterity to 
transmit some account of his life and conver- 
sation. 

He was born in the city of Burlington, 
New Jersey, of parents professing belief in 
the doctrines and principles held by us as a 
religious Society : his father dying whilst he 
was young, he was placed an apprentice in 
this city; and though often sensible of the 



152 

checks of divine grace, which condemns for 
sin, he followed the inclination of his own 
corrupt will^ which led into estrangement 
from the path of peace ; till being in mercy- 
visited with an humbling sense of his miser- 
able condition, he turned at the reproofs of 
instruction, and submitting to the gentle ma- 
nifestations of light upon his understanding, 
was enabled to bear the cross of Christy and 
became qualified to extend advice and coun- 
sel to others. Under those exercises, a sense 
of a call to the ministry of the gospel was^ 
in the wisdom and love of God, communi- 
cated to his mind ; but through great reluct- 
ance to yield to this awful work, he forbore 
for several years, and thereby brought upon 
himself very deep distressing conflicts. At 
length, whilst accompanying a Friend who 
had been here on a religious visit, the im- 
pression of divine requiring being renewed 
upon him, his mouth was opened with a few 
words in a religious meeting, and after his 
return, he expressed at times in our religious 
assemblies, a few sentences in a tender bro- 
ken manner, much to the satisfaction of his 
friends ; and continuing steadfast under ma- 
ny baptisms and trials, he was remarkably 



15 



<-) 



careful that no part of his conduct might les- 
sen the force of the doctrine which he had to 
preach to others. Keeping faithful to the 
intimations of duty, he became prepared for 
more extensive service ; and with the concur- 
rence of the Monthly Meeting, proceeded to 
fulfil a prospect he had of a religious visit to 
the meetings of Friends within the govern- 
ment of New York^ and part of New En- 
gland^ and was favoured to return with the 
reward of peace. Thus diligently labouring 
in the work of the ministry, he was for many 
years much from home, visiting meetings in 
various places, particularly in Maryland, Vir- 
ginia, and Carolina ; where he experienced 
much close exercise and proving of faith and 
patience ; but through the goodness and pow- 
er of the blessed Sheplierd of Israel, whose 
help is ever near for the support of his humble 
dedicated servants, he was carried through 
all, to the comfort of his own mind, and the 
satisfaction of his friends. 

The prospect of making a visit to the church- 
es in Europe being opened upon his mind, 
and meekly abiding under the weight of this 
exercise until it was ripe for the information 
of his friends, he was induced to spread it 



154 

before them; and obtaining theii^unity and 
sympathy, he embarked, and arrived in Eng- 
land in the year 1794. Much deep and silent 
exercise was often his lot, but as resignation 
and patience were maintained, he was enabled 
to discharge what appeared to be his duty ; 
and labouring for several years in the fulfil- 
ment of this arduous service, he experienced 
the near unity and fellowship of Friends in 
those countries, and came away in the enjoy- 
ment of peace, under a sense of the immedi- 
ate protecting providence of Him, who is to 
his children a sure rock and never-failing re- 
fuge. He continued mostly at home for se- 
veral years, diligently attending the respective 
meetings of which he was a member, and also 
other religious services. 

He was much devoted to the promotion of 
the cause of Truth and righteousness, and 
through the efficacy of heavenly love, was at 
times enabled to say, it was more to him than 
his necessary food; but being sensible of his 
various infirmities, he was frequent in inward 
retirement, and hence his mind became 
strengthened in watchfulness against those 
things which interrupt the aspiration of the 
soul towards the Fountain of everlasting life ; 



155 

being thereby made quick in the fear of 
the Lord, he increased in solid experience, 
and gradually advanced in the way and work 
of salvation. His example in silent wait- 
ing in our religious meetings was instruc- 
tive, and in the exercise of his gift, it was 
evident that he had been careful to feel the 
putting forth of the divine hand, being at 
times eminently endued with a clear discern- 
ment of the states of meetings and individuals, 
and in the power of the gospel, was made in- 
strumental to baptize many into deep contriti- 
on, through a heart-felt sense of their own con- 
dition. Thus, as a scribe well instructed into 
the kingdom, he brought forth out of the 
treasury things new and old, to the edification 
of the body and to the praise of its ever ador- 
able Head. 

His sympathy with the afflicted was often 
manifest; and the situation of those in neces- 
sitous circumstances peculiarly claiming his 
tender regard, occasioned his frequently 
bringing to the notice of his brethren, their 
suffering condition, that their benevolent en- 
deavours might be exerted for their allevia- 
tion. 

•He was so tender of the reputation of all; 



156 

that he could not take the liberty of expres- 
sing any thing to lessen it, nor was he easy to 
hear others in such a practice. 

He attended several sittings of our Yearly 
meeting in the Fourth-month 1814, and was 
taken unwell the 21st. The disorder, though 
apparently not alarming at the commence- 
ment^ in a short time greatly prostrated his 
strength; yet he was preserved throughout 
in much quietness and sweetness of spirit; 
w^as frequently pleasant and cheerful; his con- 
cern for the prosperity of Zion was still the 
prevalent engagement of his mind^ and he of- 
ten enquired how the Yearly Meeting was 
advancing in its important business* 

On the third day of his illness, a friend sit- 
ting by him expressed he felt a peaceful so- 
lemnity — he replied, '^ So do I; my mind is 
centred in quiet, peaceful resignation." On 
the next day those about him apprehended he 
was near departing, but reviving a little, he at 
intervals expressed nearly as follows: ^^This 
is the last piece of the garment that is to be 
w^orked up; and if I can be favoured to join 
the righteous of every generation, it will be 
enough." Again — " Well, I dont know that 
I have much to sav for myself; I leave it 



157 

to the Lord, the Shepherd that sleepeth not 
by day nor slumbereth by night, who watch- 
eth over his children and over his flock : A- 
gain — ''I hope that a righteous generation 
will be raised up and preserved as a seed" — 
and after a silent pause, added, " Oh, if we 
can but be favoured to take some of that love 
with us — the end crowns all — I have nothing 
to boast of; I have been baptized into many 
low places, and raised up again." He ap- 
peared disposed for more expression, but his 
bodily powers were so far gone as to render 
his attempts unintelligible ; yet after a consid- 
erable time of silence, he uttered with much 
emphasis, ^' I will lead them." Soon after 
which he quietly and peacefully departed, the 
24th of the Fourth-month^ 1814; and we 
doubt not hath entered into rest, enjoying 
that crown of righteousness which the Lord, 
the righteous Judge, will give unto all them 
that love his appearing. 



O 



158 



Testimony of the Monthly MeetiJig ofPhila- 
delphia for the Southern District concern- 
ing De.borah Evans, wife of TVilliam 
Evans. 

WITH a view to excite in the minds of 
survivors, and particularly the youth, a close 
adherence to the intimations of divine grace, 
we are engaged to preserve some account of 
this our beloved friend. In the early part 
of life, through the influence of company, she 
was drawn to partake of the vain amusements 
which with insidious plausibility are present- 
ed to ensnare the minds of unwary youth* 
But through the tender mercy of a gracious 
Creator^ being brought to see the sinfulness 
of thus wasting the precious time allotted for 
a purpose unspeakably interesting to every 
rational being, she was induced to yield to 
those visitations of divine love ; and as she 
kept close to the gentle operation thereof up- 
on her mind, was strengthened to bear the 
cross, and became exemplary in plainness 
and simplicity. In this humble state, she was 
received into membership amongst Friends^ 
about the nineteenth year of her age, A few 



159 

years after her marriage, her constitution be- 
coming very delicate, she gradually declined 
in health ; and during her illness, was often 
favoured with an unshaken confidence that 
the Lord, who had been pleased to draw her 
mind to the teaching of his blessed Spirit, 
would, as she kept thereto^ be her never-fail- 
ing helper in every trying season, and sup- 
port through all the conflict of disease and 
death* 

During the time of her sickness, sh6 utter- 
ed many weighty expressions^ some of which 
are as follow :— 

Fifth month;, 1815 — A few friends being 
present in her chamber, after a time of si- 
lencCj she uttered some expressions of thanks- 
giving for divine support, and then added, 
*'Oh that I had the opportunity to testify to 
the greatness of the Almighty; and that it was 
in my power to impress on the minds of the 
young people the very great importance of 
giving up in early life ; that the mind might 
have a foundation to rest upon in the time of 
trial, when the world is as nothing.'' 

At another season she said, that some time 
back, upon hearing some parts of the New 
Testament read, respecting our Saviour, the 



160 

query occurred, *'What do I know of a Sa- 
viour?" and it was presently followed by the 
evidence that she had felt a principle in her 
own mind, which had shewn her what was 
right and what was wrong; and that as she 
attended to it, it would prove a Saviour to 
her — and then said, these expressions were 
brought to her remembrance, "To know thee 
the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom 
thou hast sent, is life eternal." 

In the evening of the 19th of Sixth-month, 
she broke forth in supplication thus^ " Oh 
great and glorious Lord, grant me patience 
that will carry even through the gates of 
death. Thou knowest that I have endeavour- 
ed to serve thee according to my measure ; 
prepare for me, according tothy eternal good- 
ness, a mansion of rest; and shorten the time, 
if consistent with thy holy will." After a few 
minutes, said, " In all my trials and deep af- 
flictions I have refreshing seasons." 

On Third-day, the 20th, in a time of great 
bodily suffering, she said, '^ I should consi- 
der it a favour to be removed in one of these 
spells, but I am resigned : it is my meat and 
drink to do his will" — and sometime after ex- 
pressed, ''Well is it for me, that part of the 



161 

work was done before such a time as ihis'^ — 
then after a solemn pause, she spoke in com- 
memoration of the Lord's goodness, and in in- 
tercession, — ''Almighty God! my soul dotli 
magnify thee, and my spirit rejoiceth in thy 
salvation — Oh grant that I may receive daily 
a portion of thy holy everlasting patience. — I 
have known a principle within from early life 
which condemned for doing wrong, and led 
to do that which was right ; and have been in- 
duced at eleven years of age, to leave my pil- 
low with my cheeks bathed with tears, and 
on my little knees, pray that I might be a 
good child.'* 

On the morning of the 23rd, " Oh great 
and holy Being, be pleased to grant fresh 
supplies of thy patience: Oh hear the voice of 
my supplication ; be near and uphold me, for 
I have none in heaven to look unto but thee, 
nor in all the earth in comparison with thee.'^ 

Next day being in great pain, she said, 
'* Oh Lord, be near. Oh, grant me patience 
— let resignation be my constant theme. 
Thou art great; thou art merciful; thou know- 
est all my deep afflictions ; thou wilt not try 
me beyond what I am able to bear ; therefore 

2 



162 

let me bless and praise thee." A little while 
after — '' Oh Lord, take me to thyself. Oh 
Lord^ how good art thou to me ; my heart 
is filled with praises to the high God, who 
reigneth above with the Lamb forever — Oh 
the sweet peace." In the afternoon she 
said, " That glorious presence is not with- 
drawn, but I believe is near to support my 
poor, tried, weary, tossed mind ; not toss- 
ed with tempest^ but weakness : and when it 
shall be his will to take me hence, I go re- 
joicingly : If I love and serve him, will he 
not keep his covenant ? yea, most surely." 

On the 25th, she said, ^' Praise the Lord, 
O my soul, bless his holy name ; glorify him 
whilst thou art here ; sing of his mercy and 
goodness, for they are very great." In the 
course of the night, a friend w^ho was watching 
with her, observing, that she had indeed need 
of patience under her great suffering, and that 
it appeared she was remarkably supplied with 
it — she replied, '' I am sensible of it, and it 
is a great mercy ;" and continued nearly in 
these words: ''I have much to be thankful 
for ; I was visited in very early life, and was 
enabled to yield to the heavenly visitation — 
He has been with me all my life long, and 



163 

does not forsake me in this closing period ; 
but is graciously pleased, at times, to quali- 
fy me under all my bodily suflferings, to com- 
memorate his marvellous goodness, and to 
sing praise, high praises to his ever-excellent 
name.'' 

In the afternoon of the 27th, a few hours 
before her death, she said, ^'Praise the Lord: 
praise the Lord, O my soul ; praise his great 
and glorious name — Lean upon him, that 
thou mayest know him to be thy support in 
the hour of deep conflict, and to receive thee 
into the kingdom of everlasting rest." After 
a little time, her close being near, she took 
leave of her near connexions present, and 
said, ^^ Lord Almighty, receive my spirit. — - 
Now I am going ; dont hold me/' and de- 
parted between eleven and twelve o'clock at 
night, the 27th of the Sixth-month; 1815, in 
the 28th year of her age. 



Testimony of TVoodbury Monthly Meeting 
respecting loYL^ Reeve. 

THIS our beloved friend was the son 
of Joseph and Eleanor Reeve, members of 
Greenwich particular meeting, in Cumber- 



164 

land County, New Jersey. From accounts 
received, he was born in the Fifth-month, 
1729, and his youthful time of Hfe was mark- 
ed with sobriety, and circumspection of con- 
duct and conversation. He settled within 
the verge of the above-mentioned meeting, 
and early became an active and exercised 
member thereof. As he advanced in life, by 
being obedient to the manifestations of light 
and grace, about the 28th year of his age,^ 
he came forth in the ministry, to the satis- 
faction of Friends. 

It appears that at different times, in gospel 
love, he visited the meetings of Friends in 
New England, New York^ Pennsylvania, and 
New Jersey generally; and some of the meet- 
ings in the Southern States. In the year 1793 
he removed to reside within the compass of 
this Meeting, where his upright example, re- 
verent waiting and gospel labours amongst 
us, have been impressive on many minds. 

The latter part of his time, he frequently 
expressed, that he had served a gracious and 
good Master ; and was often engaged in reli- 
gious communication to his family and those 
about him. He appeared to be quietly wait- 
ing for a release from his bodily afflictions, 



165 

which he bore with remarkable patience and 
resignation. 

A few days before his departure, after say- 
ing, " I believe I shall not continue many 
days and perhaps not many hours,-' he ex- 
pressed a desire to see the family together 
once more ; who being called into the room, 
he spoke nearly as follows : — '' I feel my bo- 
dily strength weakening fast, and the lamp of 
life nearly extinguished." And after speak» 
ing affectionately to his wife, said, '' Dear 
children I have endeavoured by precept and 
example to discharge my duty faithfully to- 
wards you. I have often interceded with fer-- 
vent prayers to the Fountain of all good, on 
vour behalf : dear children live in love; live 
in love and harmony one with another : be 
kind and affectionate to one another : you 
have often been a comfort to me: I commend 
you to God, and the word of his grace." Af- 
ter w^hich he seemed to revive a little, and 
some timjg after said, ''I may continue per- 
haps a few days longer ; but if it should be 
the Lord's will, I should be glad the time was 
come to be released : I am not afraid to die : 
what I am, I am by the mercy of God." 
And to his wife he said, '' I have prayed that 



. 166 

I might have an easy passage, w^hich I now 
believe will be granted. My sufferings have 
been great^ but they are nearly over." 

The evening before his death he appeared 
fervent in prayer^ though scarcely intelligible ; 
but '' O Lord my God,'' and '^ the dear Re- 
deemer," were several times distinctly heard. 
He continued until ten o'clock next morning, 
when he quietly departed, the 4th of the First- 
month 1816, in the 87th year of his age. 



A Memorial of Buckingham and Solehury 
Monthly Meetings concerning Oliver 
Paxson. 

THIS our beloved friend was born in 
the township of Solebury, Bucks county, 
Pennsylvania, in the year 1741; and by obe- 
dience to the visitations of divine kindness, 
became an active and useful member of reli- 
gious Society ; diligent and punctual in the 
attendance of meetings and all other religious 
appointments from his youth. And being 
zealously concerned for the cause of Truth, 
and possessing a sound judgment, was ser- 
viceable in the affairs of Society^ in which he 
stood as an upright pillar. 



167 

During several years of the latter part of his 
life he was much afflicted with an asthmatical 
complaint, which with some other infirmities 
so enfeebled him as to confine him much a- 
bout home : yet he exerted himself to get to 
his own meeting, though often in great weak- 
ness; frequently observing, *^I never feel bet- 
ter than when assembled with my friends for 
the purpose of solemn worship. There may 
yet be much for me to suffer, and I have need 
to lay hold of every means of renewing my 
strength." 

At one of the last Quarterly Meetings of 
Ministers and Elders which he attended, he 
w^as engaged feelingly to excite Friends to an 
increasing dedication of heart ; and in an es- 
pecial manner, that they labour to feel and 
maintain the unity of the one Spirit. He also 
attended the meeting for business ; and on his 
return, observed, " I felt strong desires to sit 
with my friends once more in a Quarterly 
Meeting at this place, and though it has been 
accomplished through much bodily weakness, 
I feel thankful I was there. '^ 

For several weeks previous to his close, he 
was much confined to the house ; suffering, 
most of the time, extreme pain, from a dis- 



168 

ease in his limbs^ and an increased difficulty 
in breathing, which prevented his laying 
down ; yet his mind retained much of its 
wonted vigour and deep interest in concerns 
that related to the Society at large. On tak- 
ing leave of some friends who had called to 
see him, he said, *^ My love to the cause re- 
mains strong, and my intercessions are at 
times fervent, that tlie work of the gospel of 
peace may go on, to the hastening of that 
day, when the earth shall be full of the know- 
ledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the 
sea." To some friends w^ho expressed a 
concern at seeing him suffer so much, he re- 
plied, " I have received good at the hand of 
the Lord^ and shall I not receive evil:* ne- 
verthelessj I value the sympathy of my friends., 
and desire that my afflictions be not lighten- 
ed, or cut short, before the work is done ; 
but that I may be strengthened to wait iti re- 
signation, till my change come." And^ 
though a large portion of bodily suffering was 
meted to him near his close, yet he was fa- 
voured to feel the earnest of liis petition, his 
mind being mercifully sustained to the end^^ 

• Jobii. 10, 



IG9 

sometime before which, he expressed to a 
near friend, that an undoubted evidence had 
been vouchsafed to him, that his name was 
written in the Lamb's book of life. He con- 
tinned to decline till the afternoon of the 29th 
of the Tenth-month 1817, when he quietly 
finished his course. 



Testimony of the Monthly Meeting of Phil" 
adelphiafor the Northern District concern- 
ing Samuel Smith. 

THIS our dear friend was bom in Bucks 
county, Pennsylvania, the 2nd of the Fourth- 
month 1737, old style. His parents, Robert 
and Phebe Smith, were worthy members of 
our religious Society. His father dying when 
he was about eight years ofage^ the care of 
his early education devolved on his mother, 
who appears to have been conscientiously en- 
gaged to discharge this important trust ; and 
her pious care for his preservation seems to 
have made a strong and durable impression 
on his mind. 

In a memorandum left by him he observes, 
*'* X was favoured to have a mother who la- 

r 



170 

boil red in much love not only to counsel but 
to restrain from evil; and sometimes, when the 
effect was not so obvious as she could wish, 
^he would be engaged in fervent prayer that 
her counsel miglit be as bread cast on the 
ivaters that might be Jound after many daysJ^^ 

Submitting to the humbling influence of the 
power of Truth, he was, even in early years, 
preserved in a good degree of innocence* 

Being of a delicate constitution and unable 
to engage in any laborious occupation^ he re- 
moved to this city, and about the year 1763 
married and settled. 

He was one of those who early felt drawn 
to bear a testimony against the free use of ar- 
dent spirits, and the sale of that article being 
connected with the business in which he was 
engaged, it became burthensome ; and dwel- 
ling near the preserving principle in his own 
mind, which redeems from a selfish spirit, and 
inspires not oiily with love to God, but love 
to our neighbour^ he was strengthened to re- 
linquish the prospect of present gain for the 
more enduring riches of a quiet ^nd approv° 
ing conscience. 

About the year 1770/ having passed 
through many deep preparatory baptisms^ hci 



171 

was concerned to oiFer a few words in our 
public meetings as a minister ; and by abiding 
humble and watchful, he grew in his gift ; and 
in obedience to the clear openings of duty^ 
was frequently engaged in religious visits to 
various parts of this continent. In these en* 
gagements he was particularly cautious that 
his example and deportment might be consist- 
ent with the awful station of a gospel min- 
ister^ 

Having for a considerable time been exer^ 
cised with an apprehension of duty to visit 
the churches in England, and the concern 
increasing in weight and clearness, it was so 
^piatured in his own mind, that in the First- 
month 1789, he spread it before this meeting 
for its solid consideration; and having the 
near sympathy and unity of his friends with 
his prospect, he shordy afterwards embarked 
on that service; and returned to his family and 
friends in the latter part of the year 1793, 
bringing satisfactory testimonials of his gospel 
labours in that nation. 

After his return he continued to be much 
j dedicated, both at home and abroad, in en- 
deavours to promote the cause of Truth and 
righteousness* 



172 

Being endued with a sound judgment, and 
observing great care and caution in his move- 
ments, he was qualified for a useful labourer 
in meetings for discipline. 

In the year 1799 he again yielded to a con- 
cern which had rested some time on his 
mind, to visit Friends in Great Britain and 
Ireland; and having the unity and approbation 
of his friends, he embarked on this weighty 
service in the Fifth-month 1800, and return- 
ed in the Eighth-month 1801, having, as he 
expressed, " through divine favour, been ena- 
bled to perform this visit to the great conso- 
lation of his own mind.'' 

In his various journies on Truth's account, 
he was careful to keep so near his guide as to 
be preserved from exceeding the limits of his 
concern, or continuing longer from homethan 
the clear manifestations of duty required; 
being tenderly solicitous that the ministry 
should in no respect be burthensome. 

In his temporal concerns he was a good 
example of moderation, living within the 
means he possessed, and cautious not to let 
his mind out in undue pursuit of the things 
of this world ; thus avoiding those anxious 



173 

cares which tend to disqualify for faithful at- 
tention to religious duties. 

Experiencing through a long life the pre- 
serving power of the divine principle, he was 
frequently concerned to bear testimony to its 
efficacy; and in a small memorandum states, 
— ''Now in the seventy. seventh year of my 
age, I think it right to subscribe my firm be- 
lief to the sacred truth, that obedience to the 
dictates of the pure, holy spirit, brings peace 
and happiness ; but disobedience^ reproof, cor- 
rection and trouble — this I have found to be 
the case through the w^hole course of my life: 
and I think I have load this further evidence 
of the benefit of regarding this divine monitor 
'or principle within, that where I have attend* 
ed to its secret intimations, even regarding 
temporal pursuits, I have never been suffered 
to go very deep into perplexing entanglements. 
Thus safety and happiness will be its blessed 
effects, both as it regards this life, and no 
doubt, that which is to come. If I have been 
favoured to pass through seventy years of life 
with less difficulties and embarrassments than 
many others, I attribute it to that degree of 
attention I have paid to this inward monitor ; 

P2 



174 

and the greatest perplexities I have ever been 
in, have been by neglecting or disregarding 
it. — Having looked over the foregoing, now 
in the seventy-eighth year of my age, I can 
afresh subscribe to the truth of it^ and have 
a comfortable hope that I shall be favoured to 
lay down my head in peace with the supreme 
Judge and with all men.'' 

His bodily weakness increasing, he was 
prevented from going much from home, but 
his love for the cause and testimonies of 
Truth continued unabated. Having settled 
his outward affairs, and looking towards his 
final close, he gave directions concerning his 
funeral, requesting that no public invitation 
s)iould be given in any meeting, and that his 
connexions at a distance should not be sent 
for ; observing that he had long been grieved 
with the great parade of funerals in this city, 
among Friends as well as others, and with 
the entertainments of some in the country at 
the houses of the deceased, after the interment. 

He continued gradually to decline in health, 
yet to those who visited him he appeared 
cheerful, and his conversation often conveyed 
deep religious instruction. 



175 

Towards the latter end of the Eighth- 
month 1817, he was confined to his bed, and 
passed through much bodily suffering with 
exemplary patience ; observing, on the even- 
ing before his close, '^ All I can now do is to 
desire patiently to endure my portion of suf- 
ferings, until it shall please the Master to re- 
lease me" — adding^ '^ I have not ability now 
to look into my heart, and my accounts there, 
but I feel a confidence that mercy and peace 
will attend me.'' In the morning of the next 
day, the 1st of the Ninth-month, he quietly 
departed this life, in the eighty-first year of 
his age. 



ADDENDA • 

THE two following Memorials having been 
approved by the Yearly Meeting, since the fore- 
going Selection was made, and during its pub- 
lication, it was concluded to annex them to the 
work. 



Testunony from the Monthly Meeting of 
Philadelphia for the Southern District con- 
cerning Hannah Fisher, 

SHE was the daughter of Thomas and 
Mary Rodman/ and was born in Newport, 
Rhode Island, in the Fourth-month 1764. 
Her father dying when she was very young, 
the care of a large family devolved upon her 
mother, to whose exemplary and judicious 
deportment, our dear friend has often made 
grateful acknowledgment. This maternal 
care, co-operating with the tendering impres- 
sions of divine love with which her mind 
was early visited, became the means of her 
preservation in much innocence. Being mar- 
ried in the year 1793, she became a member 
of this Monthly Meeting, and through the 
renewed and humbling baptisms of the divine 
Spirit, was qualified for usefulness therein. 



177 

In th^ year 1800, after a season of deep ex- 
ercise, she came forth in the ministry, and 
being faithful in the little, experienced an en- 
largement in the gift, to the comfort and re- 
freshment of many. From the general tenor 
of her conversation and the savour of her spi- 
rit, it was evident, that having received with 
meekness the engrafted word, and abiding 
patiently under its influence, she was enabled 
to bring forth good fruits, — hence flowed, as 
streams from their proper fountain, her ex- 
emplary deportment ; her care in frequently 
reading the Holy Scriptures in the family; and 
the faithful testimony which she bore to that 
plainness and simplicity which our Christian 
principles lead into — frequently expressing 
her thankfulness that she had been enabled to 
be faithful therein ; adding, '' I have often 
felt the cross in it, but it has been to me a 
great means of preservation.'' 

Her sympathizing spirit was often dra\vn 
to visit the afflicted, and qualified to speak a 
word in season to the weary. To the poor 
she was a liberal, judicious, and feeling friend. 
Her illness was short, but the result was not 
alarming to her. For several days previous 
to the solemn close, she was at various times 



178 

engaged in expressing to the different mem^ 
bers of her family and other friends^, live-^ 
ly exhortation, tender acknowledgment, or 
pertinent remarks on the necessity of being 
prepared for the final change* To a friend sit- 
ting by her she said^ *^ I have desired tliat my 
children may give up in the mormng of^^lieir 
day, and join hand in hand with the faithful 
labourers in the Lord's vineyard;" adding, 
^' I feel nothing in my way, I feel thankful 
in my bed of sickness, that I have given up 
in the cross to my natural inclination, hav- 
ing been favoured to keep the furniture of 
the house and my clothing plain and sim- 
ple.'' At another time, addressing her chil- 
dren, she said, '^ Live in love, my dear 
children, may you all live in love; it will 
sweeten every bitter cup; there is no comfort 
without it." Again^ ^' AH is done, all is 
done ; I feel so resigned, so sweet, I feel as if 
I were already in heaven." At another time 
said, her illness had been a time of suffering 
to the body but not to the mind ; that all was 
comfortable there ; adding, '^ What a mercy 1 
that when the poor body is in suffering, the 
mind should be preserved in such tranquilli- 
ty," Her affliction of body appeared to be 



179 

^reat; and she once expressed, she thought a 
part of it might be on account of survivors^ 
that they might see it would not do to put oiF 
the day's work until the evening ; that it was 
enough then to have bodily suffering. In the 
night previous to her close, she said, *' Lord 
I love thee; Lord thou art with me: I love 
thee because thou hast heard my supplication. 
Bless the Lord, O my soul!" About an hour 
before she ceased to breathe, she sweetly ex- 
pressed, ''The Lord is with me;" clearly 
ponveying to tlie minds of those present, her 
resignation to this allotment of unerring wis- 
dom, and her thankful sense of his supporting 
arm under it. 

She died the 12th of the Ninth-month 
1819, in the 56th year of her age. 

Testimony of Burlington Monthly Meeting 
concerning George Dillwyn, 

BELIEVING that it may have an ani- 
ifiating effect on the minds of survivors, we 
;eel engaged to prepare some account of this 
>ur dear deceased friend. 

He was born in Philadelphia the 26th of 
he Second-month 1738 (old style) of parents 



I 

j 

members of the Society of Friends: and being 
at an early period of his hfe deprived of the 
tender caYe of one of them, this loss was sup- 
plied by the Shepherd of Israel, in qualifying 
the surviving parent (who judiciously retain- 
ed her influence in his affections) to watch 
over him with maternal tenderness for the 
welfare of his immortal part ; and in the 
course of time, she was favoured with the 
comfort of beholding a son dedicated to the 
Lord's service. 

In early life he appears to have had a strong 
propensity to the vanity of dress and amuse- 
ments often incident to youth ; but through 
adorable goodness, the ground which his pi- 
ous parent had laboured to prepare, was not 
by the heavenly Husbandman left unproduc- 
tive, for he became qualified to bring forth 
much fruit. 

_He was engaged in mercantile pursuits for 
some years, which terminated in disappoint- 
ment and loss ; but such was the integrity of 
his mind, that he carefully retrenched his ex- 
penses, so that no man suiFered loss by him. 
Thus, through the renewed visitations of divine ^ 
grace, which led him to do justly, love mer- 
cy, and walk humbly, the strong will of man 



181 

was so far subjected to the humbling power 
of Truth, that his afflictions were productive 
of a blessed effect. Having experienced in a 
degree his robes to be washed, he was called 
to the work of the ministry, and appeared 
therein about the 28th year of his age* 

Endowed with a comprehensive and pene- 
trating mind, which being sanctified by the 
great Head of the church, he was made emi- 
nently useful in promulgating the glad tidings 
of the gospel of peace extensively on this 
continent ; and being earnestly engaged to 
keep his eye single to the pointings of his di- 
vine Master, who had called him to the 
work, he felt drawn to pay a religious visit 
to parts of Great Britain, Ireland, Holland, 
Germany, and the south of France. Having 
obtained certificates of free concurrence from 
the Meetings of which he was respectively a 
member, he embarked in the year 1784, and 
continued to be engaged in that service, much 
to the satisfaction of his friends in Europe, as 
appears from ample testimonials produced by 
him on his return to his native land in 179L 

Our beloved friend remained a member of 
this Meeting, holding up an instructive and 
animating example of dedication to the work 

Q 



182 

of the ministry y until the spring of 1793; 
ivhen, apprehending it to be his religious du- 
ty, he removed with his wife to reside in 
Great Britain, having obtained from his breth- 
ren here a certificate for that purpose. Du- 
ring his stay there it appears he continued to 
labour, as he was furnished with abiUty, to the 
edification of the churches. Feeling his mind 
released from further^ service in that country, 
lie returned to Burlington in 1802^ with a sat- 
isfactory certificate, where he continued to 
reside until the close of his useful life ; and 
having been as a faithful servant, diligent in 
the morning and meridian of his day^ he was 
permitted to pass his declining years much in 
retirement, seldom going from home, ytt 
with exemplary care attending with his fami- 
ly the particular meetings of which he was a, 
member ; saying, that '' he did not find his 
meetings did him much good, if he could re- 
flect upon having left any person in his service 
unnecessarily at home.'' 

In his private life he was a bright example; 
daily evincing a concern to live near the 
spring of divine Grace ; and in social inter- 
course with his friends, he was remarkable for 
the sweetness of his spirit and conversation. 



183 

He had been unusually exempt from bodily 
pain even in advanced age, until the 3rd of 
the Second-month 1820, when on his way to 
meeting (the ground being covered with sleet) 
he fell and fractured the hip bone; the attend- 
ant pain being very distressing, and every ex- 
ertion failing to afford relief; a state of deep 
suffering ensued; his exercised mind was 
tempted, tried, and affxicted, as he expressed, 
beyond what he had ever before known, and 
his concern was, that he might be enabled to 
wait in deep abasement until light should a- 
rise upon his dwelling. Thus he past nearly 
five months of great bodily sufferings and 
seasons of close mental conflict, through all 
which the Christian character shone with 
brightness; and although the general clothing 
of his mind was baptism and exercise, yet it 
was grateful to observe, within the last two 
or three weeks of his life, acknowledgments 
of consoling relief. At one time he express- 
ed, *^ I find there is a comfort over which dis- 
ease has no power." And at another, after 
a favoured opportunity of religious retirement, 
*'Now I am prepared to adopt the language — 
Lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and 
gone, the flowers appear on the earth, the 



184 

time of the singing of birds is come, and the- 
voice of the turtle is heard in our land." 

For some days before his close, his frame 
being much weakened by continued pain, he 
was confined mostly to his bed^ often desiring 
to be kept quiet; he was evidently engaged in 
secret intercession; and expressed his belief 
that there was a mansion prepared for him. 

The morning of the 23d of Sixth-month 
he lay quiet, being less affected by pain ; a 
litde after noon he reposed to sleep, in which 
state, without any apparent motion except a 
slight movement of those lips which had late- 
ly been employed in acknowledging himself a 
monument of divine mercy, his spirit was re- 
leased. 

How instructive is the contemplation of 
such a life, extended to more than 82 years, 
the greater part of which appears to have been 
abstracted from worldly pursuits, and dedica- 
ted to the noblest of purposes, replete with 
desire of gathering souls unto God, and ex- 
panding with Christian benevolence to the 
whole human family. 

His remains were interred in Friends buri- 
al ground in Burlington; the 25th of Sixth- 
month 1520. 

THE END, 



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